Reading came through a tricky cup tie against Wycombe Wanderers in the first round of the Carabao Cup.

Jose Gomes will be feeling much better ahead of another tough game on the weekend after his side prevailed on penalties against a spirited Wycombe side.

A number of players caught the eye for me. Firstly, there is no better way for a goalkeeper to endear himself to his new supporters than by becoming the hero in a penalty shootout.

Despite not keeping a clean sheet, Rafael Cabral will undoubtedly be feeling much more composed in goal after his heroics in the penalty shootout.

There was understandably a massive hype around the arrival of George Puscas in the summer, given Reading’s track record of not spending excessive amounts on players in previous windows (to say the least!)

Puscas showed glimpses of what he can do in front of goal against Wycombe. Although there will be tougher tests to come, his movement, hold up play and willingness to run in behind will all excite Royals supporters. Of course, getting off the mark so early will be a massive boost for the Romanian frontman.

I’m very interested to see Puscas start up front with Joao. If Reading do indeed play three at the back more regularly, like they did on Tuesday evening, those two will get a chance to form a real partnership. If they do, I have no doubt they’ll be a real handful for defenders in the league. I feel the pairs playing styles will complement one another well.

In the middle of the park, Charlie Adam shone – especially in the first half. Although he went off the boil after the break, he dictated play well and looked composed. Ejaria as well impressed with his control in tight situations and his ability to drive forward from deep.

I do have slight concerns about the wing-back situation. Andy Rinohmota and Liam Moore both played on the right side of defence at Adams Park and both had slight difficulty coping with Wycombe’s wide men.

Against top quality Championship opportunity, this may be a slight headache for the Royals. Yiadom will come back on Sunday and play on the right side of defence, but he will need to do more to restrict forward runs from opposition wingers and full backs.

All in all though, we may not have got the comprehensive victory that many travelling supporters would’ve been hoping for – but we’re in the next round. The players will be buoyed by such a confident performance in the shootout.

Fans will need to be patient as the new signing gel into the side. There was, however, enough on Tuesday night for me to see that we are on the right track.