Veljko Paunovic said that he believed his side were the better team after drawing 1-1 to Barnsley on Friday evening.

Alex Mowatt's second-half penalty leveled the scores after Ovie Ejaria's opener before the break, before Lucas Joao missed a guilt-edged opportunity to put Reading back in front.

Speaking after the game, Paunovic said: "Our game plan worked perfectly, we had the best chances. We expected everything they would bring to the table.

READ MORE: Barnsley boss issues scathing rant at Reading FC coaching staff

"It wasn't easy, but the best chances I believe were on our side and in this league at this time of the season, you have to convert them.

"I'm disappointed but not defeated. We will look to come back quickly because once again, the team showed a fantastic spirit and identity. The performance was good, it is not easy to play at this stadium."

READ MORE: Reading FC player ratings - Mixed bag after Barnsley draw

Speaking about Joao's miss and overall performance, the Serbian boss said: "He is disappointed. It's not a moment to do anything other than support him.

"We believe in him as we always have. We understand it is football and this happens.

"We have to give credit for Lucas to many games that he helped us get points. It wasn't the only opportunity we had, Yakou had a great opportunity to score.

"Those are the key moments.

"I think we have to appreciate those moments. We have to sharpen our weapons. That's always going to be the priority."

Many Royals fans believed George Puscas should have come off the bench in the closing stages.

Explaining the reason why he didn't, Paunovic said: "He (Puscas) hasn't been with us, he came here directly from the flight.

"Lucas is also a very important piece in the defensive set-pieces and today he was brilliant in all of those.

"Although the coaches did a brilliant in sending videos and information, it is one thing to send the videos and one thing to practice - especially for this kind of game.

"He had a session after the game and we just have to build him back and have him ready for Derby."