READING’S Liam Rosenior has admitted that the prospect of pushing former club Fulham towards Premiership relegation on Saturday is not a task he is relishing.
The 23-year-old acknowledges that “I would not be a Premiership player if it was not for Fulham” after he was given a chance to shine in the top flight when signed by Chris Coleman in 2004.
However, now established as a first-team regular after joining the Royals in August, he knows that he has to concentrate on Reading’s own relegation worries for 90 minutes on Saturday.
“It will be hard in that respect,” he said. “But you have to make sure that things like that do not affect your game.
“I had a great time at Fulham, I have got so much to thank them for as I would not be a Premiership player if it was not for Fulham. It is a double-edged sword. I will be delighted if we win the game but afterwards, for me personally, it is going to be hard. Fulham is a superb club and it will be a shame if they do go down.”
However, Rosenior, who is currently keeping captain Graeme Murty out of the team, knows that Saturday is vital for Reading to pull clear of the relegation zone - and he is completely focused on doing that.
“If we play to our maximum potential then we are capable of getting three points, which will go a long way to making sure that we are in the Premier League next season.
“In terms of my ambitions and what I want to do in my career, I want to be in the Premier League. It is the best league in the world and you are going to have tough games like we had up at Newcastle. They were superb in the second-half. When you are playing against world class players, then you are going to lose games and we have to respond on Saturday.”
Ultra-confident in his approach, Rosenior also shrugged off his slip-up at Newcastle that led to the vital opening goal for Obafemi Martins - though he will be eager to avoid a repeat against his former club.
“As far as I am concerned, it was not a mistake,” he added. “I would be more disappointed if I got beat by a good ball or skill or was caught out of position. I just genuinely slipped and I am not bothered by it. I have been happy with my performances and I want to get better and keep improving.”