Manager Brian McDermott was delighted after seeing his team brush Derby County aside in a comprehensive 4-1 win at Madejski Stadium on Wednesday evening, his team's sixth victory in their last seven League games.

Brian's side were far superior from start to finish, and could certainly have won the game by more goals. County ended the match with ten men but by the time substitute 'keeper Saul Deeney was sent off and replaced by Robbie Savage between the sticks we had already shown more than enough quality to be fully confident of winning three points.

Jimmy Kebe was once again unplayable, scoring one and setting up two, while in-form Ryan Bertrand netted his first professional goal and Shane Long lashed home a fantastic opener - the only blot on our copybook the Irish striker's penalty miss just before half time.

Derby only registered two shots all evening and had briefly rocked the boat when Gilles Sunu netted to make it 1-1 midway through the first half - but we were simply too strong, too quick and showed too much quality on the night.

Brian said, "Full credit to our players, that's another great three points for us at Madejski Stadium.

"In the first half we were outstanding. We got crosses in, got shots in and we probably didn't get the goals that our play deserved. Off the back of a tough game with Villa on Sunday we still played with a great tempo and could have gone in a few more ahead than we did at half time.

"I also thought we finished the game strongly. Sometimes it's difficult to play against ten men, there's not much space - but we won the game and that's the key. Everyone gets edgy against ten man and we needed that third goal. If we'd scored the penalty we'd have been fine and really gone on from there. But I can be proud of our players again.

"[Derby's goal] was the first shot they had but they've got quality in the side. It was a decent goal from their point of view but not the best from ours. Having said that we went on to make it 4-1 and we have to be pleased. It's important to be scoring goals, especially at Madejski Stadium.

"We're looking up and dragging a few teams into it, we can see up above us now. We've won six out of seven in the league and we can be proud of that but we can't lose focus. Bristol City are next, I saw them on Tuesdday and it will be difficult, they will be a test but we'll look forward to it."

There were a number of heroes all over the pitch, and Brian was delighted for Ryan Bertrand, who is growing with every performance. "I was really pleased for Ryan. It was on his right foot, it's not his natural side but it was a great finish.

"Jay Tabb never stopped running and since he came into the team he's done very, very well.

"Shane scored a fantastic goal and he is looking like a proper player. As for his penalty, it happens.

"At times Jimmy was unplayable, he made two and scored one, he's got six in the last seven games. Good luck to him, I'm really pleased for him. There's a number in the team looking the part. Look at Jimmy and Shane, they are really feeling the rapport with the fans and that is so important."

County supporters may argue that goalkeeper Deeney's red card for a professional foul was a key moment, but in truth Reading were already well on top when he was dismissed. Brian said, "That's what referees do now, he's gone past him, it was a penalty and the ref has to make a decision."

Robbie Savage had to take over in goal, and certainly didn't disgrace himself as an emergency stopper. "I thought he was very good! He pulled one out of the top corner from Gylfi's free kick and made another good save from Jimmy."

Finally, Brian spoke about picking the players up after our FA Cup defeat to Aston Villa and lifting their spirits to great success. "We had a little game of cricket. We had a meeting on Monday and we said we can mourn for half an hour and then we get over it. We had a great run, we all enjoyed it, we got our videos and then we moved on to Derby. It's nice to come in to work and have a bit of fun, to look forward to coming in. You try to get that enjoyment in the club - but it's not all about cricket!"

A full post-match video interview with Brian is live now on Reading FC Player - sign up for a free 14-day trial now!