The cup tie was the 20-year-old's first competitive start in nine months, having joined Reading last Thursday.

His inclusion in Clarke's side saw the Royals boss switch to a 4-5-1 formation, with Chalobah positioned in defensive midfield to protect the back four and start Reading attacks.

It was a fairly low-key start from the Chelsea loanee, who came through the whole 90 minutes unscathed.

And Clarke was content with the impact he made, insisting that he’ll get better as he returns to match fitness.

“Nathaniel did well,” he said. “He got caught up a little bit in the tempo of the game early on but you have to remember that’s his first 90 minutes this season.

“He hasn’t had much time on the pitch. You can train and work as hard as you want but until you’re out on the pitch you can miss that little bit of match sharpness.

“Second-half I thought he was much better.

“He settled into the game and did a great job for us just infront of the two central defenders.

“He started a lot of moves with some clever passing and I thought our passing in the second-half was a lot better in general.”