Reading manager Steve Coppell has faced pleas from Emerse Fae to give him the chance to impress as the Royals aim to avoid the drop.The 24-year-old is hoping to add to his starting appearances after impressing for the Ivory Coast in the African Cup of Nations.

Fae has made just three starts in Reading's current campaign despite being the club's record signing when he made a £2.5million move from Nantes last summer.

Coppell is likely to make changes to his side after suffering their eighth successive league defeat to Aston Villa last time out.

Now Fae hopes he can push for a starting place and cement a regular spot in Coppell's side after recovering from a slight rib injury he picked up in training.

"I want to play for Reading and be able to help the team go forward and stay in the Premier League," he told the club's official website.

"If the manager needs me I'll be ready, but I don't know if I will play on Saturday.

"I expected to play more games. When I was at Nantes I played all the time and that's what I want to do here.

"Now I am back I want to play more and I will try my best to win my place back."

The Royals have slumped to 18th in the league after their run of poor performances but Fae is confident the side can stay up if they remain focused.

"I am worried about our position, but I am calm," he added.

"I know to stay in the Premier League we all need to be calm and keep tight as a unit. If we start to panic it will be impossible to stay up.

"There is something wrong with the team so I think the best solution is to make changes, but it's more important that all the players stay focused."

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