GEORGE Evans deflected the praise onto his Reading FC teammates following his injury-time winner at Blackburn Rovers.

Evans struck in the 92nd minute on Saturday to earn Reading their first ever victory at Ewood Park.

Quick-thinking Chris Gunter’s clever throw-in released Garath McCleary, who found Evans lurking outside the area.

The ex-Manchester City star held his nerve and slotted the ball beyond the reach of Jason Steele and into the far corner.

Evans’ second goal of the season came four days after he had celebrated his 22nd birthday, but the unassuming midfielder heaped the glory on his team-mates.

“It’s a fantastic feeling for me personally, but I’m just delighted to get the win,” he beamed.

“It is a big three points and on a personal note I’m delighted to score that winner.

“I thought Garath was fantastic, he has been brilliant all season for us and did really well down the line.

“It was a great throw from Gunts as well, and Garath did well to win the ball and make a great pull-back.

“Obviously I’m very happy Garath did that and I owe him a big thank you.”

Evans also highlighted the excellent defensive work of Paul McShane and Liam Moore, the latter nudging Royals 2-1 in front after Liam Kelly had rattled the crossbar.

“Blackburn made it very difficult for us,” he confessed. “They played a lot of long balls and I thought Paul McShane and Liam Moore dealt with it well.

“Liam Kelly has done really well since he’s come into the team and I’m delighted that he’s getting some minutes.

“So we’re delighted to go to Blackburn and get three points. Obviously we’d have liked to have finished it off a lot earlier, but we’ll take the victory and move onto the next game.”

Reading’s victory means they will remain third on Christmas Day with a healthy 40-point haul.

Suddenly, Jaap Stam’s men look capable of mounting a push for automatic promotion, with Royals boss set to bolster his squad in January with a couple of new signings.

Evans, though, is refusing to look further ahead than the Boxing Day home clash against Norwich City (3pm).

“We’re taking each game as it comes,” he declared. “We’ve got a great work ethic in the squad and the staff and management have put so much time into it, and they’re always looking into the details of our opponents. It’s paying off on the pitch.

“It’s Christmas time and we’re in a good position now and all the lads are delighted, but we’re not looking too far forward.

“We’ve got to focus on the next game, get out on the training pitch and work hard again.

“We’ll enjoy Saturday’s win, it was a big three points. But then our full focus will be on the big Boxing Day game against Norwich.”