Reading manager Nigel Adkins has praised his young team following Saturday's 1-0 win against Ipswich.

The former Southampton manager handed debuts to youngsters Jake Cooper and Jack Stacey, whilst Jake Taylor scored his first goal for the club as the Royals beat a strong Ipswich side at the Madejski.

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Adkins was delighted with the way his team performed against Ipswich

Following the game, Adkins praised the players' commitment and also hailed the fans for the backing they gave the team.

"It was great for the supporters, we had eight Academy players get on the pitch, 12 of the 18 have come through the system, we scored a good goal through Jake Taylor, had to fix bayonets late on because Ipswich are a big side, so what a great win and for me it was really exciting," he told the club's official website.

"The crowd got behind every one of the players, the lads showed great heart and desire to work for each other, and I loved the whole game, clean sheet and a 1-0 win at home.

"I think we've had a good week, we played well at Wigan and should have won, then got through in the cup and now today we've got an excellent victory. It was a challenge, Mick's [McCarthy's] teams always are so it's an excellent three points."

Despite heaping the praise onto his young squad, Adkins also acknowledged that it is only one game out of many to come and they will still have to work incredibly hard.

"There will be ups and downs, today is an up so we'll enjoy it, but keep our feet on the ground," he continued.

"We're pleased because so many young players were involved, and we've also got a number of players out - Kelly, Guthrie, Karacan, Williams, Robson-Kanu, McCleary, then Mackie and Ferdinand are working hard after just signing. When they're back they'll add to what is a very hard-working group. Their attitude since joining has been infectious.

"As a team we defended well and did Feds [goalkeeper Adam Federici] have to make a save? I thought in the first half we were on the front foot, could have had another goal, but it was a very competitive league game - and for the youngsters it's a case of 'welcome to the Championship'.

"We're really excited - but we can't get too high after today because we know what the Championship is like."

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