Reading manager Nigel Adkins has insisted that Adam Le Fondre has a future at the Madejski Stadium and praised the striker for his professional attitude in recent weeks.
Le Fondre has started just one game since Adkins took charge of the Royals last month - a home match against Southampton.
After failing to come off the bench against Norwich City last weekend Le Fondre voiced his concerns, admitting that he may be forced to look elsewhere for first-team football.
Adkins has moved to quell speculation over the forward's future and revealed that he rates the 26-year-old highly.
He told the Daily Star: "I've had a good conversation about the whole situation with Alfie. We like him a lot. I started him against Southampton and he came on against Liverpool.
"Maybe he could have come on against Norwich, but we were in a good position in the game. I think it is great that a player wants to play and if they can't start then they want to make an impact off the bench.
"That's great for me and that's what you want - people here fighting for the cause. I've got no issues at all with Alfie and he has been very professional in everything he's done."
Le Fondre is Reading's top scorer this season with 12 goals.