Brian McDermott praises Reading character

Reading manager Brian McDermott has hailed his side's gutsy performance against Brighton & Hove Albion as they edge closer to promotion to the Premier League.

Reading moved back to the top of the Championship, level on points with Southampton, after beating Brighton on Tuesday night and McDermott admits that his side were in a battle at the AMEX Stadium.

"It was a night of resilience and character," said McDermott.

"Brighton are a difficult side to play against, they had a lot of the ball and we had to hang in there."

The win was Reading's 13th in their last 15 games and next travel to St Mary's to face Southampton in a top-of-the-table clash on Friday.