Stephen Kelly says Reading are capable of avoiding relegation

Stephen Kelly: Certain Reading can avoid relegation after witnessing their stunning comeback against West Brom

Newly-signed right-back Stephen Kelly is convinced his Reading side are capable of avoiding the drop after watching their stunning comeback against West Brom last weekend.

Kelly joined the Royals last week on a two-and-a-half-year deal, marking Brian McDermott's third signing of the January window.

Reading were 2-0 down until the 82nd minute, but late strikes from Jimmy Kebe, Adam Le Fondre and Pavel Pogrebnyak handed McDermott's side their most thrilling win of the season.

Commenting on the West Brom win, Kelly said: "After watching the game at the start it was looking a bit grim, but to be able to come back, hold on, and show that kind of character and fight is exactly what you need to stay in the Premier League.

"That win has put us closer to the other teams. You look at the table and think it's not impossible.

"I am confident we can stay up. After coming here and meeting everyone affiliated with the club you realise everyone is determined to stay in the league. The determination is unbelievable.

"I want to play in the Premier League and I feel confident we are capable of doing that."

Kelly joined the Royals from Fulham where he was restricted to opportunities after the arrival of Sascha Riether on loan from Cologne, and McDermott was first in the queue to sign him.

"When I met him I took an instant like to him," Kelly said of McDermott.

"I am quite close to Kevin and he is close to Brian so we bumped into each other that night and had a good long conversation about football.

"He was friendly, we got on quite well and I bumped in to him a couple of months back when Reading were flying over to Dublin to play against Bray.

"As soon as he came in for me this month and we sat down and had a chat it was easy for me to make the decision to come here."