Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez is delighted with the character shown by his players in their 4-1 win over Reading on Wednesday night.

The win at St James' Park was a crucial one for the Magpies as they were without a point from their first two Championship games and Benitez was thrilled they showed some mettle to end their losing start to the campaign.

Benitez said: "It was important for me, for the fans, for the players, for everyone here to get three points today. The first two games without playing so badly, we didn't get any points.

"Today we showed character, a good reaction after the goal we conceded, and that's what we have we to do, play well sometimes and show character all the time."

Dwight Gayle scored a second-half brace along with goals from Isaac Hayden and Matt Ritchie as the Toon belatedly kickstarted their revolution under Benitez.