READING interim boss Paul Ince insists his side have “belief” ahead of this weekend’s clash with Rovers.

Ince – who had a stint in the Ewood Park hot seat in 2008 – wants his players to focus on themselves instead of worrying about the opposition as they battle to beat the drop.

The Royals are currently 21st in the Championship table – just two points above the drop zone with nine games still to play.

“It's about holding your nerve, there will be lots of twists and turns. It's a long way to go. We have to play Barnsley, Hull and Cardiff,” said the Reading chief.

“I'm not concerned who we play if we keep our performance up. We have to put the onus on us to perform week in, week out.

“It doesn't mean we will win every game, but we will at least stay in them and have a chance.”

The Royals held second-placed Bournemouth to a 1-1 draw on Tuesday night thanks to Tom Ince’s late strike.

Ince was delighted with their performance against the Cherries and insists they deserved more from the game.

He added: “It should have been three points. Bournemouth are a fantastic side so to come and play the way we did and dominate was pleasing.

“We keep conceding early goals so we need to cut that out but we've got that spirit and togetherness.

“After Forest (a 4-0 defeat) it was embarrassing - it wasn't my team and I wasn't prepared to accept it and I told the players in no uncertain terms.

“But they responded and it was more like 'my' team. When we lose it, we win it back, we hunt in packs. When we pass, we create chances and we did that ever so well.

“Bournemouth couldn't get near us. I shouldn't be sat here now disappointed with a point but I am, and the players are.

“It stops the rot, gives us belief going into Blackburn. No-one gave us a chance after Forest. People thought we'd roll over but we didn't. We showed togetherness and that we're good players.”

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