The 31-year-old full-back has recovered from a knee problem and was handed his first start of the season in the recent 3-0 win over Rotherham United.

But his winning return came to an abrupt end after a 1-0 home defeat by Charlton on Saturday.

The diminutive Igor Vetokele netted the only goal with an excellent header after he was left unmarked in the Royals box.

And Republic of Ireland international Kelly admits Reading must eradicate such basic errors in the weeks ahead.

He said: “To lose in the fashion we did was extremely disappointing. We conceded a really sloppy goal. Charlton hadn’t created any chances then they score from a simple ball into the box.

“As a team we need to cut out crosses like that because they have been costing us over the last couple of weeks. We need to stop letting in goals like that or we are going to make it hard for ourselves.”

He added: “The annoying thing is we played some good football at times but we couldn’t finish our chances.

“If we had scored one goal I think we would have got two or three, but I suppose that comes down to confidence.

“We couldn’t unlock the Charlton defence. It just didn’t happen for our players in the final third of the pitch. We lacked that bit of quality.”

Fit-again Kelly is now hoping for an extended run in the Reading team, and said: “I’ve played the last two games and I feel pretty

good. It’s great to be back involved after being out for a long time. Not getting a chance to play has been frustrating.

“Hopefully I have acquitted myself quite well and hopefully I can stay in the team.

“The next couple of weeks will be tough with players away on international duty and two tough games after that away to Cardiff and Norwich.

“We’ve got to be physically ready for those games.”