Bikey makes case for the defence

READING’S defenders can sleep again. Marcus Hahnemann, the club’s colourful American goalkeeper, has been alarmed at his team’s slide towards the bottom three this season and has not been shy in venting his frustration at his team-mates.

However, centre-back Andre Bikey made amends for his error that cost Reading a point against Liverpool last weekend by scoring twice against Birmingham.

The win lifts Reading five points clear from the drop zone while also serving to put Hahnemann’s nerves at ease, albeit temporality.