CAPTAIN Paul McShane says “there is no reason at all” why Reading cannot win the Championship play-offs.
The Royals defied the pre-season odds to secure a top six spot with a 1-0 win over Wigan Athletic on Saturday, with a game to spare.
Reading, who currently sit third in the table, will face either Huddersfield Town, Sheffield Wednesday or Fulham in a two-legged semi-final, with the winner moving through to play for a spot in the Premier League at Wembley later this month.
And McShane says his side have as good a chance as any.
“There is no reason at all why we can’t go up,” he said.
“We’re up there for a reason so the aim now is the Premier League.
“It would mean everything.
“That’s what I want to do. I want to get back there and I’ll keep fighting to get there until the day I retire.”
He added: “I’ve played in play-offs before and we’ve got a few experienced lads.
“Obviously that will help.
“It is a bit different because it’s a big prize at the end of it.
“It’s about how you handle the occasion, it’s how you handle the nerves and you can’t get too emotional.
“We’ve just got to go for it.
“The lads have done brilliantly to get to the play-offs this season and you can say from last season it’s a big surprise.
“But we are there, so we’ve got to deal with the position we’re in now and aim to go up.
“That’s the only way you can enjoy the play-offs.”
McShane has not played for the Royals since March 11 due to a calf injury.
But the Irishman says he hopes to get some minutes under his belt in the regular season finale at Burton Albion on Sunday (12pm).
“Hopefully I’ll be alright to play Burton,” said the defender.
“My injury has dragged on a little bit too long now.
“I think I was rushing back for the games and had a little bit of a setback.
“I’m just being extra careful but I’m back fully training so I’m looking forward to getting back now.”
Victory against the Brewers this weekend would ensure Reading will finish third and play the second leg of their semi-final at Madejski Stadium.
Dates have been announced for the play-offs with 3rd v 6th taking place on May 13 and 16 while 4th place 5th on May 14 and 17.
