Reading manager Brian McDermott has hailed the influence of Jason Roberts after the veteran striker netted in the Royals' 3-1 win over Leicester City.

The January signing scored between strikes from Mikele Leigertwood and Simon Church as Reading moved level on points with second-placed West Ham United in the Championship table.

"Jason is a really good guy off the pitch as well as on and a big influence around the place," McDermott told Sky Sports News.

"I saw him make his debut as a non-league player at Hayes and have wanted him ever since.

"We have won 13 of the last 15 and that shows how well the whole team is doing."

Reading next face a trip to struggling Doncaster Rovers on Tuesday.