RAFA Benitez has been speaking to the press ahead of Tuesday night's game with promotion rivals Reading.

On back to back wins

“(Before the last two games) I would have said I had confidence, but it would be difficult. I still have confidence we can do well the rest of the season, but my thinking is still the same. It will still be difficult, and we have done nothing yet.

“When you play against the teams at the top of the table and you get results, that is even more important because they are not taking points from you. We go there not thinking about a draw – we go there to win, but knowing it will be difficult.

On Reading's threat

“They will play in the same way they have all season. They will try to keep the ball and play in a high tempo. We will try to manage that in the way we did in the first game this season.

"As a manager, it always depends on your players. You can have an idea about how to play, but they make the difference. They did really well. The work rate of the players the other day was fantastic. Everybody was pushing, and I am really pleased with these two games because you can see the response from the players.

On team selection

“In terms of injuries we still have Hayden and Rolando with problems, but Gayle is good news and Anita was playing as well and was fine. Gayle is our top scorer and has been playing well all season – he can make a difference in the next few games.

“I don’t think we have to be cautious (with Gayle) - it was more about his confidence. When he trains he is fine, and he knows he can deliver and play at the level he was playing at.

“It was important for us because it was against the teams at the top, but things can still change. Hopefully we can carry on winning games, but we have to make sure we do not have over-confidence or complacency. Everyone, including every single fan, has to know nothing is done.

On away form

“It is the mentality of the players and the way they approach the game with confidence and winning everything. You cannot win games at home or away without the commitment of the players. The response of the players has been fantastic the whole season.

“It is important to realise that we still have to play games against good teams. As soon as you make one mistake or have one bad week, then everything can change. It is important to have confidence, but not over-confidence.”