Wigan clash not a must-win game for Reading, insists midfielder Hunt

The Royals will kick off at the JJB Stadium just a single point ahead of third-bottom Birmingham and behind Bolton on goal difference.

Wigan know they are safe if they win but should Reading fail to take all three points they will be reliant on Birmingham not beating Liverpool at home to stay out of the drop zone.

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But Hunt is convinced that Reading's last two fixtures - at home to Tottenham and then a trip to already-relegated Derby - mean a point tomorrow would still be precious.

He said: "The next three games are massive but this weekend is not really make or bust. A point will do us and we can go from there.

"Wigan away is always a tough, physical game. They don't score many goals but they don't concede many either."

The Republic of Ireland international missed last week's 2-0 defeat at Arsenal because of a hamstring niggle but conceded Steve Coppell's side had always been on course for a fall in north London. He said: "We found it hard to get out and gave them the ball too easily so we didn't deserve anything from the game. Arsenal were the better team and a team who could play with freedom while we looked restricted in terms of confidence.

"But we have teams who are in and around us now, although Tottenham can upset anybody - if they turn up. It just depends what they bring."

But while Hunt remained laid-back about his side's survival prospects, Coppell admitted he had been fretting for months.

The former Crystal Palace boss saw his players eventually end an eight-game losing streak that had begun in December but the Royals have since been dragged down by their current form, which has seen them complete four games without scoring.

Coppell is convinced his side's inability to remain unbeaten for long periods, which had been achieved on a number of occasions last season, was the reason they were now looking over their shoulders.

He said: "I have been anxious for a while. I said in October there would be eight teams down there scrapping and at various times since we have had a couple of decent runs where, had we extended them, we wouldn't be where we are now.

"We would have been marginally higher but marginally higher makes a big difference in this league and we have let ourselves down in those circumstances. I get anxious when the players don't play as well as I know they are capable of doing."

Coppell made six changes at Arsenal and could make as many again, with Hunt, left-back Nicky Shorey and striker Kevin Doyle in line for recalls. January signing Jimmy Kebe was handed a rare start at the Emirates Stadium but will not feature against Wigan after suffering a knock.

And that could open the door for Glen Little to make his first start for more than a year following a troublesome heel injury. The former Burnley man featured for the reserves in midweek and Coppell confirmed he would be in the travelling party.

He added: "We have missed him all year. His goal-creation rate was unsurpassed by any player. There was one year when he was responsible for 20-odd assists, which is incredible in the modern game. Especially for someone who is not quick, can't head and can't kick with his left foot."