READING FC boss Paul Clement hailed Yakou Meite and Anssi Jaakola in the wake of Royals’ 3-1 victory over Millwall FC.

Meite’s first brace in Reading colours came either side of a Sam Baldock penalty kick to give Clement’s side all three points.

But it could have been a very different story had Jaakola not continuously denied Neil Harris’ side with a string of fabulous saves.

The Finnish goalkeeper was thrown into the starting XI after Vito Mannone and Sam Walker both picked up injuries in training.

But Clement was quick to deny that Jaakola is his third-choice shotstopper.

He asserted: "“He played very well. He was immense. We had a good idea that Vito Mannone hadn’t recovered from his injury.

“It was touch and go. I actually thought he would make it.

“Jaakola came in and I heard someone say he’s the third-choice goalkeeper but he isn’t. We have three first-team goalkeepers in addition to the younger ones.

“He’s one of those three and he played really well.”

He continued: “There was another fantastic performance at the other end of the pitch with Yakou Meite.

“I think it will be tough to call a man-of-the-match between those two.”

The win, Royals’ second of the season at home, sees Clement’s side leapfrog Millwall and move into 19th place.

And Clement admitted he was thrilled with the character of his side.

He beamed: “We rode our luck at times but at other times we stood up when it counted. We had a difficult couple of moments in the first half too.

“We had to be competitive and aggressive. I thought the spirit was excellent because it was an ugly game at times.

“The players performed and got over the line with a victory. There have been other games this season when we’ve been on the end of some fine margins.”

The 46-year-old threw a few curve balls into his team selection with Garath McCleary coming into the side for the first time since he broke his ankle back in February.

Meite was the focal point of Clement’s side while Sam Baldock played on the left-wing, where Modou Barrow has been almost ever-present for the Royals.

But Clement confirmed: “Mo is not injured. He was not selected.

“Jon Dadi Bodvarsson has returned to training and he is going to be close to being available for selection next week.”

Royals face Birmingham City away from home on Tuesday before they travel to South Wales to play Swansea City next Saturday.