JOHN Swift hopes to put his painful memories of Wembley Stadium behind him when Reading FC face Huddersfield Town in Monday’s Championship play-off final (3pm ko).

Two years ago the England Under 21 international was relishing the chance to play at the national stadium when he was on loan at Reading’s rivals Swindon from Chelsea.

However, Robins were thrashed 4-0 by Preston North End in the 2015 League One play-off final and Swift was left out of the squad because of limits on loan players in the match-day squad.

But fast forward to now and Swift, who has been a mainstay in Jaap Stam’s Royals side since his permanent switch from the Blues last summer, is determined to put the past behind him and help fire Reading back to the Premier League.

The 21-year-old midfield schemer said: “It’s a massive achievement to get to Wembley, it’s huge.

“I went there with Swindon but I didn’t get to play so I can’t wait to get there again.

“At the beginning I don’t think anyone had confidence in us getting this far. We’ve been the underdog team all season.”

Reading Chronicle:

John Swift playing for Swindon Town while on loan from Chelsea. Picture: Dave Evans.

Reading were also the underdogs heading into the play-off semi final against Fulham, even though Stam’s side finished third in the table, three places above the Cottagers.

They defied their critics by drawing 1-1 at Craven Cottage in the first leg before a Yann Kermorgant penalty sealed a 1-0 win in the home leg and 2-1 aggregate victory.

And Swift admitted it is a pleasure to play alongside veteran striker Kermorgant, 35.

“We all know he’s a massive part of the team,” he asserted. “He scores goals and he keeps them out at the other end as well.

“He’s turned his form on at the right time.”

Meanwhile, Royals have been working hard at their Hogwood Park training ground this week in preparation for Monday’s mouthwatering clash.

Stam’s squad also spend Tuesday afternoon on a Wembley walkabout to familiarize themselves with their surroundings. And Swift remains confident Royals can achieve the biggest prize in football and secure promotion to the top-flight.

Swift concluded: “We have been confident going into all the play-off games even though the odds were against us.

“It’s anyone’s game for the taking so if we can get our game plan right hopefully we will get the win.

“We’ve beaten the hardest team already (Fulham) but Wembley is going to be a huge game and I believe we are ready for it.”