It isn't a mid-table clash against Spurs it's a match against a top-five side in all but position, says Reading boss Coppell

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The Royals will arrive at White Hart Lane in 12th position in the Barclays Premier League table, one point and a single place ahead of their hosts.

But Coppell insists it is pointless to regard Juande Ramos' side as anything other than one of the division's most formidable forces.

He said: "They are part of my top five. I don't care where they are in the table, they are one of the top teams so home and away these games are not going to affect our future. We can go there and just have a bash.

"I know others wouldn't see it that way because of their position in the table but if they finish below fifth then they will be disappointed, given the wealth of talent they have."

Reading's 1-1 draw at West Ham on Wednesday extended their unbeaten run to four games and Coppell was pleased his players had at last found form following an erratic start.

He said: "It would be brilliant to keep the momentum going and that's our target. The aim is to accumulate as many points as you can and it is easier when you get into a little run, I must admit.

"If you are losing games then you are questioning everything and we have had a stage of that this season."

Brynjar Gunnarsson's red card at Upton Park means he will miss the next three matches and Coppell has yet to decide on his replacement in central midfield, with winger Stephen Hunt and utility man Kalifa Cisse the front runners.

USA international Bobby Convey could be rested following a hectic few weeks as he strives for fitness following major knee surgery last season.

Coppell admitted the winger had yet to reproduce the form that made him a fans favourite during the promotion season two years ago.

He added: "He still has a way to go. In his first year he made little impact but a huge one in his second. Last year was lost because of his injury worries and this season he has yet to have an impact.

"He is not a flying winger in a classic sense, he is one that has to connect with players. He has masses of energy and his ProZone stats are right at the top of the tree. It is just a question now of getting into a significant run of form.

"There are doubts in his mind. He has had big surgery and there is always something niggling away. He feels any twinge is the old injury rather than any normal ache or pain."