READING FC playmaker John Swift revealed new boss Jose Gomes has given him the license to express himself following Royals’ 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest on Saturday, writes Courtney Friday.

Swift set the wheels in motion at Madejski Stadium by firing Royals ahead midway through the first half to set them on their way to a first win in 11 Championship matches.

A late Jack Robinson own goal secured Gomes a first win as Reading manager after an ill-tempered clash that saw both clubs subsequently charged by the FA for failing to control their players.

Ex-England youth international Swift was deployed in his preferred attacking midfield position and was a constant thorn in Forest’s side.

The 23-year-old former Chelsea playmaker had come in for criticism from some supporters after an unfortunate error sparked a chain of events that led to Manchester United scoring in Reading’s FA Cup defeat at Old Trafford recently.

But Swift made amends with an outstanding performance against play-off chasers Forest, and he admitted Gomes has allowed him to play to his strengths.

“Everyone makes mistakes in midfield,” asserted Swift. “I’m not going to think about one game.

“I’ve been given more freedom in the final third by the new manager. Obviously, we have to be more sensible when we’re in our own half, but we have to express ourselves when we get further up the pitch.

“We have to do the business and put the ball in the back of the net.”

Swift made a total of 57 passes on Saturday which was more than any Nottingham Forest player.

His passing accuracy of 80.7 per cent will have also pleased Gomes.

When asked if playing behind a striker is his best position, Swift replied: “I think so.

“I don’t mind playing in any of the roles, If I play deeper then I get to be on the ball more.

“But I want to be able to affect the game higher up the pitch. I want to create goals and I want to score.

“I’ll play anywhere in midfield but when I play higher up I get forward more and get on the end of more things.”

Swift’s goal on Saturday was just his second of the season following a dip in form under former boss Paul Clement.

Since Portuguese manager Gomes took the reins last month, Royals appear to be turning a corner and are now just two points from Championship safety.

Swift continued: “We have to carry on playing the way we want to play. Barring Swansea, we’ve had some really good performances recently.

“We’re doing everything we can in training. The manager has come in and changed the philosophy. He wants us to have possession of the ball.

“Most of the players have been doing that since Jaap Stam was here so it’s great that the manager has come in and got the boys playing again.”

Reading travel to Frank Lampard’s Derby County this Saturday (3pm ko).