Reading's Le Fondre frustrated with super sub tag

Posted Monday, February 04, 2013 by YAHOO Sport

Reading striker Adam Le Fondre has revealed his frustration at being labelled a "super sub", but hopes that a shift in formation could provide him a place in manager Brian McDermott's starting XI.

Le Fondre's heroics have earned the Royals a valuable 10 points so far in the Premier League this season, scoring six goals as a substitute, two of which rescued a draw against European champions Chelsea.

Despite being pleased with his recent goalscoring from from the bench, the former Stockport County and Rochdale striker is still looking for a starting place at relegation-threatened Reading.

"It's frustrating for me not starting," Le Fondre told Goals On Sunday. "Obviously I'm scoring goals for the team, but it is for the team and I'm doing a job for the time being.

"If we go to 4-4-2 and hopefully I'm playing well enough to start up front then that would be perfect, but while we're playing 4-5-1 and getting results I've obviously just got to bide my time and wait for my chance to go 4-4-2."

Despite his grievances, Le Fondre remains committed to helping his side survive the Premier League season, as they stand only two points above the drop zone following Saturday's 2-1 win over Sunderland.

"Like I say, it's entirely for the team and what we're aiming to do is stay in the Premier League, so it's fine with me for the time being," Le Fondre said. "The gaffer brought me in and said 'What do I do?' and I totally understand where he's coming from. I'm scoring goals from the bench and doing a good job for the team.
"I don't want to be known as a super sub and I've stressed that to the gaffer - and he's said it to me as well.
"But it's one of those things. For the time being I'll take the tag, but hopefully I'll get my starts and start showing again that I can score from the start. While it's working for the time being I've just got to stick with it."