Gary Rowett hails "ruthless" Birmingham City after Reading thrashing

Birmingham City boss Gary Rowett has hailed his side for their "ruthless" performance during Saturday's 6-1 thrashing of Reading.

The Blues made a return to winning ways in the Championship as they hammered the Royals at St Andrew's.

Rowett reserved special praise for winger Demarai Gray, who netted a hat-trick to take his tally to four goals for the season.

"He's a young player and we'll keep his feet on the ground and make sure he puts a shift in as well as showing his quality," he is quoted as saying by BBC Sport. "The pleasing thing about Dimi was not only his play on the ball but also off it.

"It was a ruthless and clinical performance. The difference in that game to others is we took virtually every chance we had."

Birmingham continue their league campaign next Saturday when they make the trip to Huddersfield Town.