Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate was delighted with the club's 2-0 away victory at Reading. The victory at the Madejski Stadium came thanks to goals in each half from Sean St Ledger and Leroy Lita and was Boro's first win in four matches.

Southgate said: "I am pleased for them at the end of what has been a difficult week. They responded with a calmness and unity.

"Some supporters have expressed their displeasure, which I have accepted. Our job is to manage the club through difficult times.

"It's easy to manage when things are going well but the margins between success and failure are so small.

"I selected Leroy Lita to play against his old club because you just knew what was going to happen.

"He missed pre-season so he is still coming back to sharpness but he was terrific."