SONE Aluko was delighted for his Reading FC teammates after they bagged a priceless 2-1 win over Blackburn Rovers - despite being dragged off at half time.

Royals’ record signing was sacrificed at the break in favour of Yakou Meite after a lacklustre 45 minutes at Madejski Stadium.

Meite added plenty of energy to Royals’ play and, despite squandering two gilt-edged opportunities, helped Jose Gomes’ side clinch a crucial victory that lifted them out of the relegation zone.

Speaking after Wednesday night's game, midfielder John Swift insisted former Fulham man Aluko was not too disheartened at being hauled off.

“It’s the gaffer’s decision,” asserted Swift. “Whatever he sees that he thinks he has to change – he has to change it.

“Sone was fine when we came into the dressing room at the end of the game. He made sure everyone got a high-five and said well done to everyone. It’s not anything against him. The gaffer wanted to make the change so it’s up to him.

Reading Chronicle:

John Swift gives Reading FC the lead against Blackburn on Wednesday night.

“You can say the change worked but we didn’t play how we wanted to play. Yakou had a chance to make it 2-0 but it wasn’t to be for him.”

Aluko, who joined Royals for a reported £7.5m fee from Fulham, has failed to live up to expectations at Madejski Stadium.

The midfielder has shown glimpses of his potential but it yet to cement himself as a key player for Gomes’ side.

Aluko cold now find himself among the Reading substitutes at Sheffield United this Saturday as Gomes men look to extend their unbeaten run to five matches.