The Royals are handily placed for a promotion push but the 12 teams between second and 13th in the table are separated by just 12 points going into the run-in.
McDermott said: "It`s very close and every season is tight, just look at Blackpool last season, they came from nowhere.
"All I can ask of the players is that they continue to do what they have done all season.
"There are a lot of points still to play for and we will keep going."
Source: PA
Source: PA