Reading boss Ruben Selles described goalkeeper Joel Pereira's league debut as 'extraordinary' despite the Portuguese stopper conceding a penalty in a 2-1 defeat to Derby County.

Number one, David Button, was taken ill and dropped out at Pride Park, with Pereira getting his first League One appearance after joining in September.

The former Manchester United youngster had proved popular with the fans in his five cup appearances earlier in the campaign, the penalty shoot-out hero against Charlton Athletic in the EFL Trophy.

It proved a controversial evening in the East Midlands as Andy Yiadom was sent off for two questionable bookings, while Dwight Gayle was offside for his opener and handled before drawing Pereira into a foul for Conor Hourihane's penalty.

"I think he was extraordinary today," Selles commented on Pereira's debut. "I think he has been waiting for his moment for a long time. David is sick so he had his opportunity and he has made it really difficult for us to make a decision in the future."

Cambridge United visit Berkshire on Saturday for the final fixture before the March international break.

Losing 6-0 to Lincoln City last night, the U's are sat two places behind the Royals but only on goal difference.