Goals from Kwesi Appiah, Michael Hector and Garath McCleary sealed victory for the Royals as they ended a run of nine league games without a win.

Clarke was delighted with the performance from his side and reiterated his belief that Reading won't be involved in a relegation scrap next season.

“When I said on Tuesday that we wouldn't be involved in a battle for the bottom three next season you looked at me like I had horns in my head,” he laughed. “But you saw today what the group are capable of.

“It was a reward for all their efforts in recent weeks. We controlled the key moments in the game which is what we need to learn to do.

“I'm delighted for the supporters. They've suffered in recent weeks but they'll go into the summer now with a smile on their face.

“Given time, I think I can build something decent here.” A crucial turning point in the contest was Adam Federici's penalty save from Darren Bent in first half added time.

The Reading 'keeper tipped Bent's effort past the post to preserve the goal lead at the break and it would've been extra sweet for Federici after being subjected to taunts from the home crowd about his Wembley howler.

Clarke said he was confident that his goalkeeper would save the spot-kick and insisted it was the best way to get back at the home crowd.

“We talk about key moments and Adam's penalty save was a key moment,” he said. “I said to Kevin Keen on the bench that he would save it, I was confident he would.

“He deserved to save it, the Derby supporters were giving him a hard time over something that was ridiculous and when you sing like that, you get your punishment.

“For their supporters, the punishment was that Adam saved the penalty. It's the best way to get retribution.”