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Having heard his team compared to Barcelona last week - Jaap Stam has joked that the Spanish giants could soon find themselves being compared to Reading.

Royals have been hitting the headlines recently for their free flowing possession based football - a style of play which has helped them to five straight wins in the Championship.

They were at their vibrant best once again on Saturday during a thrilling opening 45 minute display against Bristol City, racing into a 2-0 lead at the break.

And the second of those goals - scored by Roy Beerens - wouldn’t have looked out of place had it been volleyed in by Lionel Messi at the Camp Neu.

It led to some more comparisons after the game - which finished 2-1 - but Stam was not having any of it.

“We’re not trying to copy a certain team,” said Royals’ boss. “We’ve got our own way of playing.

“But if people are talking about us like that then I think it’s a good thing - because it’s us getting appreciated for what the guys are doing on the pitch.

"Everyone is looking for results - but in all sports everyone is looking for recognition as well.”

Stam added: “We’re always looking to create space so we can attack, create chances and score goals.

“We did that very well - especially in the first half.

“Maybe soon people can say Barcelona or City are trying to play like Reading. We play in our own style.”