Paolo di Canio is convinced he can keep Reading in the Premier League.

Di Canio, 44, led Swindon to the League Two title last season on around £500,000 a year before quitting in a row with the club last month.

He said: "I proved in League One and Two that I was the best manager, and I now feel I'm ready for the next level.

"I'm at a stage where I'm a Premier League or Championship manager.

"I've already proven my ability in League Two and League One, where there are many arrogant and average players. I was able to turn their mentality and help them become better footballers.

"You can imagine if I have the chance to do the same at the top level.

"I've only had success. That success proves the methodology we used was correct and that me and my coaching staff were completely right in the way we do things."