Reading defender Sam Hutchinson was pleased to be back out on the pitch for the 2-0 defeat to Watford, having made a premature return from injury.

The former Sheffield Wednesday favourite took a knock against Queens Park Rangers last month and had missed six matches, but played 60 minutes at Vicarage Road.

Already a hit with Royal fans, the tough tackler confirmed after the game that it was a risk to play, but one which he wanted to take.

"It was brilliant," he said of his return. "It was a bit of a risk, but I don’t mind taking risks. I did it earlier in the season. I’m a bit sore now but hopefully I’ll be alright for Saturday, and we go again. It’s happened all my career [bouncing back from challenges] so you just go again, that’s what it takes to be a professional athlete. You get setbacks but that’s what it takes."

Manager Paul Ince had not expected the Berkshire-born star back so soon, hinting that the trip to Hull on Saturday was originally the aim for a return.

Speaking on the game itself, Hutchinson was not too downbeat.

"They're just a good side and we got punished. I think some of the boys learnt what it was to be a good side today, because those little mistakes do get punished.

"We made mistakes when we were winning and we got away with it, we're getting punished at the moment- that's what happens sometimes, you go on a run. We were on a great run when we were winning, we need to stop the rot."