Reading's Murty wants 40 points

Murty says the mood at Reading has improved after two recent wins (Getty)

Reading captain Graeme Murty is warning that beating Birmingham on Saturday is not enough to ensure safety from relegation from the Premier League.

Birmingham are two points clear of the drop zone and the Royals are one point further ahead in 15th place.

Murty told BBC Radio Berkshire: "We need to push on to as close to 40 points as we can.

"We still have the games to do that. The good thing is that many of them are against teams around us."

"It's a massive game for us. A home game with a team that's down there with us right in the struggle so we need to get off to a good start.

The big prize is staying in the Premiership. If we do that, which I'm fully confident that we will do, then I might even buy the boys a drink! Graeme Murty

"We need to be on the front foot and make sure that we set the tempo and they're responding to what we're trying to do.

"I think if we do that, given the way that we've approached the last three or four games, we can go on and win that and give them a little bit more to worry about and push ourselves further away from that group."

Murty, who will miss the match against Birmingham because of a knee injury, feels the recent wins against Middlesbrough and Manchester City have lifted the atmosphere at the club.

Murty continued: "Everyone's been smiling at one another although everyone's been behind one another throughout the season.

We need to be on the front foot Graeme Murty

"I work with these guys every day and when you see people put the amount of effort and commitment into a season as we have, then these results are going to come eventually.

"I'm pleased for the lads, really happy that they're getting that feeling.

"As a captain it's hard when you see people struggling, it's hard when you see them put so much effort in for so little reward.

"Hopefully more reward will come - the big prize is staying in the Premiership. If we do that, which I'm fully confident that we will do, then I might even buy the boys a drink!"

Reading versus Birmingham City kicks off at 1500 GMT on Saturday 22 March and is live on BBC Radio Berkshire.