How the Irish fared: Skipper Paul McShane key for Reading

Paul McShane has often been the subject of senseless ridicule but the whole-hearted defender looks to have found the perfect place to showcase his talents in Reading.

McShane joined the Royals from Hull in the summer and was swiftly installed as club captain by manager Steve Clarke.

The Wicklow man enjoyed another excellent day on Saturday, brilliantly marshalling a defence that kept a clean sheet against the previously free-scoring Middlesbrough as Reading won 2-0 to climb to third in the Championship.