Doyle finished as the Royals' top scorer last season with 13 goals but has managed only five this term and has not found the net since the 3-1 home win over Liverpool on 8th December.

The Republic of Ireland forward said: "It eases things if you are happy with your performances and if I wasn't playing well I would be more worried about not scoring.

"But yes, I do need a goal. It definitely does play on your mind after about five games without scoring. As a striker you are always judged on the amount of goals you score and I'd like one sooner rather than later."

Manager Steve Coppell has kept faith with Doyle, leaving him out of only one of the last 16 matches - the FA Cup third-round replay against Tottenham Hotspur.

perform well

After beating Birmingham City 2-1 at home on Saturday, the Royals are five points clear of the relegation zone and Doyle is confident about his side's survival chances.

"We have more games against teams who are around us," he added. 

"We feel we can get results against Blackburn and Fulham. We have a good chance to wrap our season up over the next few games if we perform well.

"Had we lost on Saturday, Birmingham would have gone ahead of us - and had we played in January they would have won because things weren't going for us then.

"They are now, though. It's amazing how quickly things can change. Another win and we'll almost be safe."