Royals’ goal hero Sarr was our Ince-piration says boss

PAUL INCE labelled Naby Sarr “exceptional” as he scored on his debut to send Reading top of the Championship table and end Millwall’s 100 per cent record at The Den.

The French centre-back, a free-agent since his release by Huddersfield in June, put the Royals ahead in the 14th minute – heading home after Tom Ince’s freekick was flicked on by Sam Hutchinson.

Royals boss Ince said: “Naby’s been here for the last four weeks. We’ve all been waiting to get this deal done. He’s been more frustrated than I can tell you. He was exceptional.”

Reading failed to take two massive chances to extend their lead in the second half. First Jeff Hendrick failed to beat Bartosz Bialkowski as Ince’s pass put him in on goal in the 61st minute.

And then sub Shane

Long had a glorious opportunity as Hendrick won a crunching 50-50 challenge, but the striker slotted his attempt past the right upright.

Ince was keen to dampen expectations after their impressive start to the campaign. He said: “Sir Alex

Ferguson says a season doesn’t start until March. We’ll see where we are then.”

Millwall struggled to test Reading keeper Joe Lumley enough as they slipped to back-to-back league defeats.

Lions manager Rowett said: “We need to be more creative in the final third.” MILLWALL: Bialkowski 5; McNamara 5, Hutchinson 5, Cooper 5, Wallace 5; Malone 5 (Voglsammer (57) 6), Shackleton 5 (Evans (85), Saville 6; Honeyman 5 (Burey (57), 6), Afobe 4, Bradshaw 6 (Flemming (57) 6) READING: Lumley 7; Holmes 7, Hutchinson 7, Sarr 8, Yiadom 7;

McIntyre 7, Loum 6; Hendrick 7, Fornah 6, Joao 8 (Long (78); Ince 7 (Hoilett (90) REF: Chris Kavanagh 6

STAR MAN: Naby Sarr – A goal and a clean sheet on his debut. Job done.