Royals boss Veljko Paunovic hailed his sides resilience after securing a crucial 1-0 win away at Rotherham.

A solitary goal in the first half from Michael Morrison was enough to secure the away win, with Reading producing a backs-to-the-wall defensive display to hold on for the win.

Speaking after the game, Paunovic said: "I am very happy with the result and with the performance too. 

"The way we played against a team with a peculiar style was very hard for us.

"They knew how to use their resources. They knew at every moment how to play.

"Winning today gives us an important boost and chance to build our new momentum. It was a big win for everyone in the changing room, everyone is celebrating.

"Last time the guys were crying, now it was a different emotion and buzz in the changing room which is very important and helps us a lot to build prepare for the upcoming games.

"This was also probably the toughest game for me since I have been manager of Reading due to the ongoing situations.

"Especially because in the first half we didn't create our opportunities and we know when we don't convert them then you're a bit nervous about giving up chances.

"We dropped a bit more at the end so it was hard to handle them but at the end of the day, the subs helped a lot and being more robust in the final minutes of the game with Holmes and McIntyre helped us defend the set-pieces which were crucial."

"We had our chances in the second half too. At this point in the season, playing 'fancy' is wrong. Now, we have to be ruthless in execution.

"We have to be ruthless in the final two months of the season and we are aware of it. This is what differentiates the team that have success.

"We have to own this moment. It could be crucial at the end of the season, this win means a lot.

"But, in a couple of days, we have to prove ourselves again. We don't have time to celebrate too much."

Michael Morrison proved to be the match-winner today, and Paunovic praised his performance speaking post-match.

"It was a fantastic game from him. The team at the end of the day always have the opportunity to show up and execute the game.

"With Michael, I spoke about the importance of when the things aren't going well how important it is to do the job for the team.

"I'm very happy for him. I think he is also playing one of the best seasons of his career, at least this is my feeling. I'm very happy I can work with him every day."

Speaking on the perfomance of star-striker Lucas Joao, Paunovic said: "He has to redeem himself and for me this was one of the best games he played.

"Although he didn't score a goal and he had a couple of opportunities where he could have been more ruthless, the fight and effort he put in and the way he held off the centre-backs throughout the game was probably the best game he's played in terms of the effort he has had so far since I've been here."

Paunovic also confirmed that both Lewis Gibson and Yakou Meite should be returning in the coming week.

The Serbian boss said: "[Lewis] Gibson is looking good and he can be back this week.

"[Yakou] Meite is the pretty much the same, although he is coming from a longer injury.

"The main thing is we build his fitness so he can respond to the demands of the game when he's ready to go."