Stephen Hunt has challenged his Reading team-mates to make their relegation fears just a distant bad dream by the end of the season.Reading have slumped to third from bottom of the Premier League following a dismal run of seven consecutive defeats.

But Hunt believes the squad are capable of turning around their form and securing their top-flight status by finishing the campaign on a high - starting with Sunday's revenge mission against Aston Villa.

Steve Coppell's men have 12 matches left and Hunt said: "I'm not sure how many points we need, but we will just try to win every game.

"I think from now until the end of the season the aim is to go unbeaten.

"We need to start taking draws instead of losing. We've not drawn many this year. Those points will add up.

"Going on an unbeaten run is not out of our reach. We have to dig in and get draws away. It's exciting times but nervous for Reading fans.

"It means going to Anfield and the Emirates and getting something - which will be tough. Yet we've beaten Liverpool at home 3-1 and there's no reason we can't get something away.

"As a player you get nervous. If you didn't you would get worried. Come Sunday there will be nerves, but we'll be relishing the opportunity to play."

Reading have now gone 450 minutes of action without scoring a goal in all competitions - and have the second worst defensive record in the Premier League.

And skipper Graeme Murty admitted: "We daren't even think about anything but a win on Sunday. Yes, it is a must-win.

"Villa are going along in fine style. They hardly ever have to change their team and that's the secret of their success, I believe. But at least we know what to expect from them.

"At the very least now we have to make all our home games bankers."

More Football News from TEAMtalk