READING FC full-back Andy Yiadom insisted Royals are full of confidence ahead of the new campaign despite not winning in pre-season, writes Amy Butcher.

Paul Clement's side were thumped 4-0 by Premier League outfit Crystal Palace on Saturday to end their off-season fixtures.

Royals travelled to Austria for their pre-season tour and drew against European sides Rubin Kazan and Besiktas.

Before that, they drew 0-0 with top-flight side Fulham and lost to AFC Wimbledon and non-league outfit Eastleigh.

But Yiadom, who joined Reading on a free transfer from Barnsley earlier in the summer, said Reading are ready to take what they have learned under Clement into the Championship.

"We’ve played a few games," asserted 26-year-old Yiadom.

"First of all it’s good to play a Premiership opponent and I think we got out of the game physically, they’re a good side.

"They’ve got a lot of good technical players so there were a few good bits and bits we can improve on so back to the drawing board on Monday and we’ll look at it on there.

"Like I say there are pre-season games, but when it counts is when we start the season so you know the boys are looking forward to it."

Royals kick off this year's Championship campaign under the lights at Madejski Stadium when they welcome Derby County on Friday night (8pm ko, live on Sky).

Boss Clement will be hoping to get one over his former side as he faces them for the first time as manager of Reading.

Much of the pre-match talk will be centred around Chelsea legend Frank Lampard as he prepares to make his managerial bow.

And Ghana international Yiadom admitted he hopes he has done enough over the summer to play a part against Lampard's Rams.

"At the end of the day it’s the Gaffer’s decision," stated Yiadom.

"You know I’ve come in and I’m working every day to improve.

"We know Derby, they always put out a strong team, and they’re a really strong side. So we go into next week and we will focus on what we’ve got to do for Friday.

"I’m looking forward to the start of the season and playing in front of the crowd."