BRIGHTON boss Gus Poyet has become the second manager in a few days to describe Reading as the best team in the second tier.

Leeds boss Neil Warnock did it prior to his side’s Good Friday loss at the Royals, and now Poyet has said the same ahead of tonight’s crunch clash at The Amex He said: “We have a chance to test ourselves against the best team (in the Championship) and it will be good to see how the players perform against them.”

Poyet also praised Reading counterpart Brian McDermott’s dealings in the January transfer window – a part of the game the Uruguayan believes is becoming more and more crucial to success.

“Reading were there or thereabouts and you knew something could happen, but then in January they made a massive impact, especially with the signing of Jason Roberts,” he said.

“It looks like Brian knew exactly what was needed because the rest of the team was performing well, there was just something that was missing.

“He has got that now so credit to him as manager.

Recruitment nowadays is probably the most important part of football and he has done a fantastic job for Reading.”

Brighton were in the play-off zone after their January 2 win against Saints kickstarted a run of 12 unbeaten league games, but they have only won one of their last five outings.