Reading FC boss Mark Bowen was on cloud nine after his side thrashed Luton Town on Saturday afternoon.

Yakou Meite became the first player in 38 years to score four goals in a game for Reading with George Puscas putting some gloss on the scoreline with a fine header.

The manager was delighted by the reaction of his side after a disappointing showing against Brentford.

"It was more about being proactive rather than reactive and being on the front foot and being a difficult team to beat.

"I've always said the thing we have to strive for is consistency. On any given day we can give anyone a game.

"I always felt we would bounce back after Tuesday - but it takes that mentality to do that.

"On the back of Tuesday night we had to mentally bounce back. I made five changes and especially the defenders they were fantastic and they were the platform for us to get the result.

"5-0 is fantastic. But, for me, the most pleasing thing was once we switched off they were clean through - but Rafael came out and made a point blank save to keep a clean sheet. That was huge.

Mark Bowen was understandably delighted by the performance of Yakou Meite and spoke of his pride after the game. 

"It was about the quality of the finishing for me.

"He showed quick feet - sometimes there has been criticism levelled at him for those silky skills.The way he finished his goals today was exemplary.

"He'll push on this hopefully. He thrives on confidence like any player.

"I ask him to play that wide role and there are so many things to his game that I look at.

"He tracks full-backs, he's a handful in the air and he puts a real shift in him. I'm delighted for him.

"He came to see me yesterday and tried to put a case forward for playing as a number nine. He wanted to play as a central striker.

"I told him you can find more space coming in from the channel. After the game he looked at me with a wry smile so I think I won that argument with him!"

Bowen also explained the decision to give the captain's armband to John Swift, instead of Michael Morrison, as many people would've expected in the absence of Liam Moore.

"I spoke to [Michael] Morrison. Whether he had the armband or not it wouldn't change his performance or attitude.He'll go out and be a leader anyway.

"So, with that in mind, I looked at others and Swift is the senior head in the midfield and he deserved.

"He's not one of those who will scream and shout but he leads by being brave and trying to get on the ball all the time."