Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert has revved up his players for their relegation six-pointer against Reading.

It is the first leg in a crucial double-header for struggling Villa, as they meet rock-bottom QPR next week in what could be a make-or-break seven days for under-fire chief Lambert.

Lambert said: "The players are in a war now - and they have to see it through.

"They're going to have to fight for every point.

"You don't realise what you have got until it's not there, that's one thing I would say. You have to earn the right in football, it's no walk in the park.

"It doesn't get given to you - even to the top players and top managers."