Royals allow Mcburnie in
full responsibility of starting and playing full international football.
“He’s also had to deal with some criticism.
“He’s a young guy finding his way in his career and the world, but he’s responded well.”
After recent back-to-back defeats, Potter’s side have now gained successive victories and the vibrancy of a youthful team might yet lead to a crack at promotion, at least through the play-offs.
They took a deserved lead when veteran John O’shea was embarrassed by the speed of Dan James and gave away a spot-kick.
Mcburnie’s penalty should have been followed by more goals before the break, but Reading clung on until James’ speed gave Mcburnie the chance for his second.
Reading remain in the drop zone, but it might have been a different story had Yakou Meite done better with two headers that should have found the target.
Clement – back at the Liberty Stadium for the first time since his sacking 10 months ago – felt an offside call against Sam Baldock to rule out an opener for Reading, was a mistake.
“The goal from a set play should have stood,” said Clement. “I can’t say we deserved to lead but, for me, we did score a legitimate goal.
“I thought we deserved to get back but we couldn’t get over the line. The more and more you push, you leave yourselves open.”