By Gareth Vincent
South Wales Evening Post

Roberto Martinez has hailed Steve Coppell as a shining example he hopes to follow ahead of Swansea City's tricky to trip to Reading tomorrow.

Martinez is a managerial novice compared to Reading boss Coppell, who has more than 20 years' experience in the dugout at five different clubs.

And he admits he is relishing the chance to pit his wits against the former Crystal Palace, Manchester City, Brentford and Brighton manager at the Madejski Stadium.

"Steve Coppell is a very impressive character who has a unique way of dealing with things," Martinez said.

"What he has done with Reading and at other clubs like Crystal Palace makes him an example to the rest of the British game.

"He uses small resources or players that not many people know to make very successful teams and that's a great strength.

"Time after time you hear managers complaining about a lack of money or a lack of names in their side.

"But Steve Coppell is the opposite to that. He knows the game inside out and he knows how to be competitive.

"Look at the reserves, look at the whole structure of Reading, and you will see his stamp.

"Everything he does from a man-management point of view is genuine and he has great experience having been through difficult times.

"It will be great to come up against him because he is someone who I respect and admire."

Swansea will need one of their performances of the season so far if Martinez is to give Coppell something to think about this weekend.

Reading have made a smooth start to life in the Championship following their final-day relegation from the Premier League in May.

The Royals have won all four of their home games this term, scoring 17 goals in the process, and lie sixth in the early-season table.

Swansea, meantime, have slipped to 12th having failed to win in four league matches.

"Certainly away from home, if you look at their record, this is our toughest test yet," Martinez added.

"Reading have experience all over the pitch with strikers any Premiership side would fight for.

"They are very strong at set-pieces and are a complete team who work hard for each other and never get exposed.

"Two or three of their players you would argue are worth between £6m and £10m, and they were very unlucky to be relegated last season.

"Without a doubt they are one of the favourites to go back up."

Swansea again look like being without injured pair Darren Pratley and Marcos Painter after they missed the Carling Cup triumph over Cardiff, though Mark Gower is expected to feature.

The Reading trip begins a daunting stretch of games for Swansea, with a visit to third-placed Preston to come next Tuesday before leaders Wolves head for the Liberty Stadium in eight days' time.

"I don't think you could get a tougher run," Martinez conceded.

"In a way I'm looking forward to these three games because the opposition will be favourites and that should mean a different role for us.

"But we know we need to be ready to perform because the next week will tell us how far we've come."