Bristol City 0 Reading 2 - Archive

Stephen Quinn is backing his childhood pal to lead the Royals back to the Premier League.

Republic of Ireland international Quinn, 29, pulled the strings from midfield as Reading eased their way to a comfortable win against last season's runaway League One champions, but was quick to praise friend and skipper Paul McShane.

Both players were ditched by Hull in the summer as the Tigers dropped out of the top flight and McShane ended the game with stitches in a bandaged head following a first half clash. Quinn said:

"He's one of my best friends and a brave man. He puts his heart on the line and his head everywhere. He's a fellow countryman and we've known each other since we were eleven when we played against each other and then through the youth levels in Dublin. 

"I do fear for his safety at times though because he's so honest and that mad that I don't know what he's going to do next. He never shirks a challenge and I think he puts the fear of God into some strikers.

"He's honest as the day is long, but often doesn't get the recognition for what a good footballer he is as well. I think that the manager did notice that though and that's why he brought him here.

"We both want to take the club back to the Premier League. We did it with Hull and we have the hunger and desire to do to again. The manager's brought in other players with that attitude as well."

Nick Blackman opened the scoring in the ninth minute with his sixth of the campaign and Garath McCleary added a second four minutes later in his first start of the season, but Quinn revealed:

"At the moment Nick can walk on water, but he was disappointed after the game because he knows he could've had more. That's the measure of the man and that's what the gaffer wants to see.

"Garath played with Jamaica in the summer and did well, but he came back with a couple of tears in his calf. The gaffer managed him really well. It was his chance today and he proved he's a real good talent. He's very athletic, can go left or right and stuck one in today that was a real beauty."

Quinn is also enjoying working with boss Steve Clarke and said:

"He's meticulous in his work and makes it enjoyable. He's been brilliant. I've worked with some top managers like Steve Bruce and Neil Warnock and he's probably one of the best - actually THE best. His coaching and management style is second to none.

And Clarke was just as pleased with the attitude of his players. He said:

"I'm happy with the squad we have assembled and delighted with the way the players are performing on the pitch and working on the training ground. I would think it is a good time to be a Reading fan."

Meanwhile, City central defender Aden Flint admitted the Robins struggled, but said:

"The team spirit is still there. When times are hard, that's when team spirit comes into play. The mood in the changing room is a bit down now, but we'll rally around each other and keep encouraging each other."

The defeat left City in the drop zone without a home win this term and manager Steve Cotterill said:

"We've given the opposition a start, which we've done too many times this season. From then on I don't think we properly got into our stride. We couldn't get going and that was disappointing."