Reading manager Steve Clarke told BBC Sport: "The third goal was the one that clinched it for us. At two up you're always nervous. It's a long time since we've been in the semi-finals as a club, but before then we've got some important games in the league, we need to get some points.

"It's not about vindicating my decision to make the changes I did, it's about what's best for the team. It's another big pay-day for a club that's been struggling financially for a couple of years, and it's a nice thing for the new owners who've just come in.

"Everyone connected with the club thought we'd be challenging to return to the Premier league but that's not happened for whatever reason and we'll hopefully be more competitive next season. The players are delighted to do their job, I don't know if there'll be too many celebrations at this stage."