Cook praises his Pompey fringe players

The praise and handshakes delivered by the jubilant Royals gave Paul Cook plenty to savour.

Paul Cook insists his priorities have not been swayed by the incentive of a high-profile Capital One Cup draw.

Pompey dumped out Derby in the first round and looked on course to claim another Championship scalp when Chaplin opened the scoring.

Reading required a late goal from substitute Garath McCleary to earn a hard-fought 2-1 victory over their League Two opponents after Blackman had cancelled out Conor Chaplin’s opener.

Irrespective, plaudits all round for the battling Blues, who had defeated Derby County in the previous round.

And the motives were deeply appreciated by the Blues boss.

‘What we must show is an appetite for the game, not an appetite for big games but an appetite for every game.

‘We were up against a lot of global footballers on that pitch. Although he is a bright star, with players such as Gary Roberts,

Kyle Bennett

and Adam McGurk in the squad, it is improbable he will get anything but cameos in the League this season.

‘That is an global footballer telling us that, that is a measure of where we are at the minute.

‘Maybe I can get one or two out on loan if possible after Exeter but we have a really good blend to the team and that’s so important. This was still decent enough mind, and credit has to go to Morecambe who, the awful time wasting antics aside that actually costs them in the end you feel, were really good on the day.

And with a trip to Luton Town on Saturday, he admitted he was relieved last night’s Royals clash didn’t stretch into extra-time. While some may view the Cup as a distraction, a good cup run would bring in added revenue to boost either Cook’s playing budget or for much needed improvements at Fratton Park.

‘But as a club, we want to win.

“Conor scores incredible goals, but I thought everyone played well so rather than single out individuals I will focus on what a good team performance it was”.