Reading boss Ruben Selles hailed his side's 'remarkable effort' in Saturday's 2-0 win over Hull City.

Ben Elliott and Sam Smith found the net in each half to round off a successful pre-season campaign in which Watford, Queens Park Rangers and the Tigers were defeated from the division above.

League One action returns in seven days as Birmingham City, favourites for the title, host the Royals at a near-sold-out St Andrew's.

Speaking on the victory over Tim Walter's side, Selles said: "It was an intense game against a unique opponent in the way they want to play in possession. It was a difficult test and a very quick turnover because we played on Wednesday. We play every time as we try to play a normal league game. The really good challenge starts next week.

"The boys, now we’ve been together for more than a year, know what they’re doing, and the relations are really good. The effort is remarkable so now we need to see how we cope with the pressures of playing for three points or qualification in cups every time. Let's see if we can keep the level."

This pre-season campaign comes in stark contrast to last summer in which the Royals, marred by off-field uncertainty, lost each of their friendlies.