DANNY Williams hailed Jaap Stam as a master tactician after Tuesday night’s 3-2 comeback against Brentford.

Stam shuffled his pack due to injuries to Paul McShane, Tiago Ilori, Joey van den Berg, Callum Harriott, Stephen Quinn and Deniss Rakels.

He plugged the gaps by using midfielder Williams as wing-back, dropping right-back Chris Gunter into central defence and pushing Garath McCleary up front alongside Bournemouth loanee Lewis Grabban.

The ploy worked as goals from midfield trio John Swift, Roy Beerens and Williams saw Royals overturn a 2-1 deficit to extend their unbeaten run to six games, including four victories.

USA international Williams said: “We all know the manager has been unbelievable.

“It also shows a lot about the character of the players because we have all shown we are willing to adapt to different systems.

“Garath knows it’s not about him and I know it’s not about me, we have our preferred positions but if the manager thinks it’s best to play us in other positions then that’s what we will do.

“I’m sure there are other teams where players wouldn’t be happy if they were asked to do that.”

He also quipped: “I’m experienced enough to put the team first. I don’t want a big ego and nobody wants to have a fight with Jaap Stam.

“I’m happy wherever he puts me, if he wants to put me in goal then I’ll even play there.”

Williams made it 2-2 on Tuesday night with his first goal in 12 games and fourth of the season, and he added: “We spoke in the week about getting midfielders in the box.

"The past two games we had opportunities for midfielders to get in the box but we didn't.

"I saw Garath McCleary running with his pace and he could get the low cross in. I just wanted to get in the box and get on the end of it. 

"I'm happy I scored but the most important thing is the three points, it doesn't matter who scores."

Reading's rousing victory against Brentford saw Stam's men retain fourth spot in the Championship.

Their next league match is the rearranged fixture at third-placed Huddersfield Town next Tuesday night (7.45pm ko).