Published: Monday, 8th February, 2010 2:00pm

`Let's Ear it for Howard,' says McDermott

by Sportsdesk

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Howard's way: Brian Howard celebrated a return to the starting line-up with a goal and an assist in the weekend's win at Doncaster.

BRIAN Howard has apologised to Royals boss Brian McDermott for giving him earache.

Howard made a spectacular return to the starting line-up on Saturday by scoring one goal and setting up the other in a 2-1 victory at Doncaster Rovers.

It was the 27-year-old's first start since he broke his jaw at Derby County in November.

And frustrated Howard admitted: "I have been having a moan at Brian about not being in the team. I think he must have got sick of me complaining.

"I've been frustrated, it was my first start since November and I made sure once I got a chance I would make up for lost time.

"All I have wanted is a chance to get involved and help the club get out of the relegation zone. We all want to get out of the mess that we are in.

"Thankfully he gave me a go so it couldn't have gone better. It was great.

"Three points for the team, a goal for myself and an assist. It's a huge win, a professional job, three massive points.

"But I can't rest and the whole team will make sure we build on this when we play Plymouth on Tuesday."

In-form Shane Long glanced in Howard's pin-point cross to give Reading a 40th minute lead.

Howard then beat Donny keeper Neil Sullivan with a cool finish in the 76th minute for his second goal of the season.

But ex-Doncaster defender Matt Mills saw red on 81 minutes for handling in the box leaving Billy Sharp to pull one back from the spot.

However, 10-man Royals held on to secure back-to-back league wins for the first time this season following the previous week's home win against Barnsley.

Howard is now likely to keep the shirt for Tuesday's crucial relegation six-pointer against Barnsley at Madejski Stadium (8pm ko).

"Brian was excellent," beamed mcDermott. "He has come in every day and worked really hard.

"I cannot fault his attitude. He trains hard and is a good character to have around the place.

"He got a chance and played superb. I was so pleased for him, he scored one and made one. A great cross for the goal and a superb finish for his goal."

Despite the result, Royals remain in 22nd place, though they are now just one point behind Ipswich Town above them.

"Doncaster was a big away win for us and we just have to keep trying to win the next game," he said.

"We play Plymouth at home in front of our own fans and we are excited. We are looking forward to playing."

Reading will not be appealing against Mills' red card meaning he will serve a one-match ban and miss the Plymouth Argyle clash with Alex Pearce or Zurab Khizanishvili set to step in.

Khizanishvili made his Reading debut as a substitute at Keepmoat Stadium last weekend having joined from Blackburn Rovers on loan until the end of the season.