Royals edged back into the top six on Monday evening thanks to a 1-1 draw with champions-elect Leicester City.

But their advantage over play-off rivals Brighton and Ipswich could not be more slender as they sit above them only on goal difference.

That means all three teams have their destiny in their own hands with four games remaining each.

Pearce insists Royals are ready for the challenge and are pulling together to ensure they take maximum points from their last handful of matches.

“I can see it going right down to the wire and every game counts,” he said. “We have to stay focused, stay on it, we want to be in the race and everyone here is happy to be a part of it.

“What a great thing to be doing, fighting for promotion. The general mood is positive because we are in a great position and this is what football is all about, competing for titles and promotion.

“We have to remain positive and enjoy the challenge, don’t be scared of it or negative, be positive and enjoy it.

“We can still do it, we need everyone to get behind us and pull together. We have got a lot of experience and a good team spirit, and that can get us over the line.”

Pearce, 25, gave Royals the lead against Championship leaders Leicester on Monday evening with a brilliant header from Jordan Obita’s free-kick.

The goal was Pearce’s third of the season, but the hosts could not hold on to their advantage as Danny Drinkwater’s fine strike ensured the spoils were shared.

Pearce, though, says it was ‘massively important’ to avoid defeat after a disappointing run of form at the Madejski Stadium.

“A point gets us back into the play-off positions and we are still in there fighting with four games to go,” he said.

“Leicester are the best side in the league but we went toe-to-toe to them and gave them a good game. They will be going home thinking they’ve been in a game and that’s the way it should be when teams go to the Madejski.

“That’s the way it has been the majority of the time I have been at the club, teams have always had a tough time coming here and we need to get back to that. Hopefully this is the start.”

Royals have just two home games left in the league this season, against Middlesbrough next Tuesday (8pm ko) and Burnley on May 3.

But they could also have a play-off fixture at the Madejski if they finish in the top six, and Pearce reveals there is a buzz in the dressing room heading into the final stretch.

“It’s exciting, you want to be a part of it. Everyone wants to be a part of this squad, whether they are in or out of the team, on the bench or in the stands,” he said.

“It’s in everyone’s interests if we get promoted. Come the end of the season there will be no excuses, it’s in our hands and we can do it.”

They travel to Wigan Athletic today (3pm ko).