READING FC winger Garath McCleary insisted boos and jeers will not stop Royals from keeping faith in their possession-style football after a disappointing 1-1 draw against fellow strugglers Rotherham.

Ovie Ejaria gave Reading a priceless lead after Royals played the ball out from the back under intense pressure.

No fewer than nine players touched the ball in the build-up to the goal, which was put on a plate for Liverpool loanee Ejaria by McCleary.

But Royals’ passing style let them down in the second half as Nelson Oliveria slipped on the ball and allowed the Millers the chance to break and convert.

Jose Gomes’ insistance on his players bringing the ball out from the back has been criticised at times, especially during the 4-0 thumping against Sheffield United last Saturday.

It is not the first time Reading fans have criticised a possession style of play after former boss Jaap Stam's bitterly disappointing second season in charge.

However, McCleary, 31, stressed the Portuguese manager will not budge on his philosophy.

“The philosophy will always stay the same,” he asserted.

“No matter what we do, it won’t change.

“We’re going to try and play out from the back even if there are boos. No matter what happens, we will be trying to play out from the back.

“That’s the strong part of the gaffer’s game, his philosophy, and he won’t change it - which is good.

“There were a few opportunities that we created by playing that style of football.

“The players we have want to play out. We are going to improve on it and we need to improve quickly.”

Reading remain just one place above the relegation zone and only lead Rotherham on goal difference.

Nelson Oliveria missed a golden chance to win the game at the death when he somehow missed an open goal from just a yard out.

And McCleary admitted Royals had chances to see off the Millers at Madejski Stadium.

He continued: “We should have scored a few more. It’s a tough one to take.

“There are positives but the major negative is that we didn’t win.

“Nelson [Oliveria] was gutted in the dressing room but all of us were. It wasn’t just Nelson, I had some chances to score too and so did a few of the other boys.

“We need to reflect and have a look at the game and then prepare to face Ipswich.”