Royals drew 1-1 with already-promoted Leicester as Alex Pearce’s header was cancelled out by a Danny Drinkwater strike for the visitors, in a game that saw Mikele Leigertwood sent off in the 86th minute for a second bookable offence.

The point propels Reading back into sixth place, ahead of Brighton and Ipswich on goal difference, with four games to play.

But it could have been more for the Royals as they were denied a clear penalty. With the score at 1-0, Dean Hammond handled the ball in the area as Pavel Pogrebnyak was poised to head towards goal.

And Adkins felt that had it been given, then a second goal for his side could have changed the game.

“It’s a clear penalty the referee’s not gone and given,” said Adkins. “It’s a shame as Pav’s [Pogrebnyak] going to head it. Dean Hammond was a captain of mine at a previous football club and he’s a top pro and a top man, but he’s handled it.

“It’s a clear header for Pav and it should’ve been a penalty. As everyone knows, goals change games and decisions change games.”

However, there were not any complaints from Adkins about the red that Leigertwood saw late on.

The Royals midfielder received his first yellow card for a foul on Jeffrey Schlupp before he brought down Riyad Mahrez as the Foxes looked to attack late on.

“He’s been out for over a year so for him to get two bookings is hard on the big man,” remarked Adkins. “We shouldn’t be in a position where we’re

asking him to play at this moment in time.

“He’s been outstanding in this short period he’s been back with us.”

Reading travel to Wigan Athletic on Friday (3pm) before hosting Middlesbrough at home on Tuesday (8pm ko).