BM: He's growing as a captain

Reading manager Brian McDermott has praised Jobi McAnuff's role as captain so far, saying he is getting even stronger in that position, following his fine display yesterday in the 3-0 win over Brighton.

The 30-year old scored a brace, while putting in a decent team display. He was appointed as captain following Ivar Ingimarsson's departure last season, which has been questioned by some Royals supporters.

McDermott told the official RFC site: 'Early on in the season there were question marks from others - not from me - about him as a skipper, but he's growing and is really important in the dressing room to the players, the staff, and me. I thought he was outstanding.'

'It's a terrific win, it's another clean sheet and three goals against a top side. We have to be happy off the back of the last few games with clean sheets. Brighton are a good side, make no mistake, and they're difficult to play against. When you haven't got the ball you have to do the right things.'

The squad will now look to the New Years Eve games against Paul Jewell's Ipswich, who have seen a great revival in the past few games, being unbeaten in three games.

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