Reading FC striker George Puscas insisted he will remain grounded in the wake of his Championship wonder goal against Cardiff City on Sunday, writes Courtney Friday

The Romanian forward scored a goal his Hungarian namesake – Ferenc Puskas – would have been proud of to open his league account on his full debut for the Royals.

Puscas ran almost the entire length of the pitch before leaving Will Vaulks and storming into the box before curling a left-footed shot beyond Alex Smithies.

He doubled his tally with a poacher’s effort before squandering a gilt-edged chance to bag a hat-trick later in the second half.

Thankfully, midfielder John Swift completed the rout in the 83rd minute to secure Royals a comfortable 3-0 win.

But 23-year-old Puscas, Royals’ record-breaking transfer who signed from Inter Milan in the summer, insisted he will not get ahead of himself despite his eye-catching performance.

He said: “It was a fantastic result, it was important to win and get the first three points on the board.

“I’m so happy with my first goals for the club and for the fans.

“I knew all along that I was going to try and shoot.

“I was only 10 metres away from the goal and I’m a striker so I wanted to score.

“We have to keep it up and keep playing well to get points. I’m taking every game as it comes.”

Puscas was one of a number of Reading players to stand out in the emphatic win over Neil Warnock’s recently-relegated side.

Manager Jose Gomes picked a 3-5-2 formation in order to sure up the defence – and the move paid dividends.

Puscas was partnered up top with fellow summer acquisition Lucas Joao – and the pair appeared to have struck up a potent partnership.

“We understand each other and it’s going to get better as we play more games together,” beamed Puscas.

“He’s a good player and I find it easier with him on the pitch.”

Reading’s win took them to 17th place in the league for the first time in more than a year.

Royals face West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns on Wednesday evening.