Leeds United head coach Paul Heckingbottom spoke to the media ahead of Saturday’s trip to Reading.

The Whites travel to the Madejski Stadium and come up against a side who have failed to win at home in the Championship since November.

Heckingbottom is hoping for a positive start, but insists Reading will be dangerous as they are still carrying a lot of traits from the last campaign where they reached the Play-Off Final, despite their league position.

“Between now and the end of the season, we are going to be coming up against teams who are fighting for points for different reasons,” said Heckingbottom.

“Especially when it comes to the last six or seven games, if you are playing any teams who have a fear of relegation, they are going to be scrapping for their lives.

“It can bring a different dynamic to the game, sometimes they won’t be the tidiest of matches, but there is a desperation in those sides which makes them dangerous.

“We are not quite at that stage yet and Reading, I still feel are above that, but I know they can be dragged into it and will want the points.

“Reading are playing the same way they did last year, wanting to dominate the ball and create chances.

“I thought they recruited really well in the summer, but looking back at it, compared to last season, they won so many games one nil last season, they just haven’t had the rub of the green in the same way.

“They’ve maybe been conceding the first goal or losing or drawing those tight games, which they were winning last season, but their approach and how they play is no different.

“We need to get on the front foot, it is no good starting positive and then conceding though, we need to do it throughout.”

Heckingbottom also gave an update on Liam Cooper, who had to be withdrawn early in the midweek defeat against Wolves.

He said: “Liam limped off, he has a swollen leg, we knew it was an impact injury because he couldn’t move it straight away.

“We will scan it and see what fluid is in there and see how bad the bleeding is, but he is struggling as it stands.

“It is a blow, we have lots of cover and different options in the attacking areas, but we are lighter at the back, so for that reason, we would love to have everyone fit and available for every game.”

You can see Paul Heckingbottom’s full press conference below: