The Royals played the entire second-half against 10 men after Sid Nelson received his marching orders for kicking Michael Hector.

But David Forde in the Millwall goal was barely tested as Reading struggled to create any chances of note in a frustrating second-half at The Den.

It means Reading have now failed to hit the net in three league games out of six under Clarke, averaging just one goal per game.

“We didn’t create anything that was particularly clear-cut,” said the Reading boss. “I thought they defended crosses very well and didn’t give us much room to play. But we lacked creativity and we lacked the final quality ball that would’ve given us a goal and given us the extra two points.

“I can remember a lot of huffing and puffing around the box, a lot of second balls that they got to first but we just didn’t create enough to take all three points.

“We had good control of the game in the first-half. The red card changes their mindset in the second-half and makes it clear what they’re going to do, which is sit in and defend their box.

“We’ve gained a point on a couple of teams above us. If we beat Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday then this’ll be a good point.” Reading fans were surprised to see star man Garath McCleary relegated to the bench as Hal Robson-Kanu came in.

It was a move that didn’t have the desired effect as the Welsh international and Nick Blackman struggled to make an impact on the game.

McCleary looked sharp when he came on and caused Millwall left-back and ex-Royal Dan Harding problems, but Clarke didn’t feel the need to explain his surprising decision to leave the Royals winger on the bench.

“I don’t have to justify every time I make a decision on the pitch,” he insisted. “I don’t have to explain every single decision I make.

“I am paid to manage the club. I work with the players and staff every day so we know where the players are. We know who can give us the best in each game.

“It’s part and parcel of being a manager. You’re making something out of nothing.”