Reading boss 'really pleased' after trip to Ireland

Reading boss Brian McDermott is hopeful that the Royals’ can kickstart their Premier League campaign at the Madejski Stadium this weekend when they host Tottenham.

The club have played just two matches – losing against Chelsea after drawing with Stoke on the opening day.

Reading did not play last weekend as their clash with Chelsea was moved to accommodate the Blues’ appearance in the Super Cup but McDermott took his side to Ireland to play a friendly against Bray Wanderers.

“I was really pleased with everything about it,” he told the Reading Chronicle.

“We needed this game. By the time we play our next Premier League game, we’ll have played two games and everyone else will have played four.

“We’re eager to get going really – we had the Sunderland game called off, after we had gone to Chelsea and put in a great performance, a performance that deserved more.”

Reading ran out 8-1 winners in the friendly and McDermott reckons the experience will help his players hit the ground running against Tottenham.

He said: “So now, we’re looking forward to the game against Spurs. It’s a great league – the lads are loving every minute of it.

“A lot of players needed the 90 minutes and everyone came through unscathed and with a game under their belts. That was really important.

“We certainly did things right on Sunday. The most important thing was to get the game in, get a performance and get some goals. We’ve done just that.”