Williams struck a superb 73rd minute winner to secure a 1-0 victory over Charlton Athletic on Saturday and boost his side’s hopes of reaching the play-offs.

It was Royals’ fifth win in a six-match unbeaten run away from home and left them sixth in the Championship table with a five point lead over their nearest rivals below.

Williams celebrated his goal by jumping into the away end to hug travelling Reading fans, earning himself a booking from referee Andrew Madley and a fine from boss Nigel Adkins.

However, the 25-year-old USA international stressed: “I don’t mind. If it means I can score a goal, I will jump into the crowd and the manager can fine me, I’m happy with that.

“Saying that, I will talk to him. It was just emotional. I’m a very emotional guy when it comes to football.

“That’s why I’m always saying how important it is that the crowd is behind us. I am a player who really recognises the impact it can have, I feel it on the pitch.

“And I wanted to share my emotions with the fans, because I thought they did a great job. I just wanted to give them something back.”

The importance of the victory at the Valley was not lost on Williams, with Reading due to travel to AFC Bournemouth last night (Tuesday, 7.45pm ko) before returning to the Madejski Stadium next Monday (8.07pm ko) to take on Championship leaders Leicester City, who clinched promotion to the Premier League last weekend.

“It was a great win and an important one I think,” he suggested. “A lot of gratitude has to go to the team, we put in a great shift and we are five points clear now so I’m really happy.

“It was a great feeling to score the goal, especially as it was only 1-0. I have suffered with an injury for the last three or four weeks so I was pleased I could help the team again.

“But it didn’t matter who scored, it was more important that the team won.”

Boss Adkins added: “It’s an important three points and the supporters go away happy, like we do. Danny had a really good game, and scored an excellent goal driving on from midfield.”

l READING FC have signed USA Under 18s striker Andrija Novakovich. The youngster will join the Royals Academy in the summer.