PAUNOVIC HAILS TEAM FOR ‘FANTASTIC’ COMEBACK WIN

READING FC manager Veljko Paunovic was delighted with a much improved second-half display as Jahmari Clarke scored twice to complete a turnaround.

Clarke’s first two senior goals for the club, having come on at halftime break a run of four straight defeats.

Paunovic reiterated that he was able to communicate with his players and staff despite missing the game due to a positive covid test.

“At half-time, I knew what we had to do and believed we needed a boost of energy,” said Paunovic.

“I spoke to the group and told them the expectations for the second half and asked for commitment and everyone to give their best .

“In the first half I wasn’t happy, we didn’t attack with conviction and finish actions.

“I was able to discuss with the staff to make a decision and that paid off.

“I’m very happy with the reaction, the guys did a fantastic job and all deserve credit for a fantastic win.

“It was a good moment for Jahmari who was waiting for his opportunity.

“We had a talk on the phone, he got my point very well.

“We kept the ball, were patient, in the first half too shy and complacent.

“But in the second half the change in attitude worked perfectly and Yids (Andy Yiadom) was amazing on the right wing, getting forward.”

The Serbian manager is confident that striker George Puscas can recapture his form having not scored in his last 22 matches for the club.

He continued: “I don’t feel sorry. I believe in him and he is going to help us in a moment when he recovers his belief.

“Once he does that, the team will recover as a group the belief in him. “There are some adjustments that have to come, we have to be patient with him.”

Paunovic also gave an injury update and says he expects players to be back after the international break. “We wanted a positive result going into the break.

“We are expecting at least three players to be back. That could be Alan (Halilovic), Tom (McIntyre) and Danny Drinkwater.

“And maybe there is a possibility for Andy Rinomhota. “I believe four or five players can be ready after the break.”