Reading conceded three first half goals in a disappointing 3-2 defeat to Birmingham City.

Here are the player ratings.

 

Joe Lumley, 6: It's always difficult to judge a goalkeeper having conceded three, but Lumley could have done very little about any of the goals fired past him. Had very little to do other than that.

Andy Yiadom, 6: Back in his natural position and he looked head and shoulders above the rest of the back line. Full of energy, he came close to scoring in the first half.

Amadou Mbengue, 5: After a heroic shift on Saturday, the youngster proved naieve against iconic Troy Deeney. A performance he'll learn from, the 20-year-old will find consistency in time.

Naby Sarr, 5: Back for his first start since August, he was rusty at times but put in some good challenges. Will only get better as time progresses.

Tom McIntyre, 5: Ultimately no defender comes out with credit after conceding three, but McIntyre prvented it fronm being four with his clearance off the line. 

Baba Rahman, 5: Similar to Yiadom, but to a lesser extent, the left-back was a threat throughout the first half.

Jeff Hendrick, 5: Started bright and full of energy, became less involved as the match wore on. 

Mamadou Loum, 6: Was very strong on the ball and managed to mop up most of John Ruddy's goal kicks, but still wants too much time on the ball and is quite often dispossessed.

Tom Ince, 6: Ince, as always, was all over the place. Not his most complete performance but his effort cannot be questioned. Took his goal very nicely, but tried his luck on other occasions where a pass would have been wiser.

Shane Long, 4: A poor performance from the fan favourite, with the 35-year-old struggling to get into the game at all. Subbed for Lucas Joao, who came on and found the net.

Yakou Meite, 6: A constant thorn in Birmingham's side, the Ivorian did everything but score.

 

Substitute

Lucas Joao, 5: Scored his goal on the line but did little else.

Junior Hoilett, 6: Put in some wicked deliveries as Paul Ince went for a more attacking threat in the second half. Impressed in his cameo.

Andy Carroll, 6: Pinned the defenders back and kept the ball ticking over in attack. Brought a new dynamic to the forward line, and the Birmingham defenders panicked.

Nesta Guinness-Walker, 5: Saw lots of attacking down the flank and contributed plenty to the forward line. Had little to do defensively.