Here are our player ratings from Reading’s 2-0 victory over Blackpool at Bloomfield Road.

Sam Walker – 8

His best showing for a while in a Reading shirt. The second choice stopper stepped up to the mark against Blackpool, commanding his area well. Also produced a couple of important stops from headed efforts to maintain his clean sheet.

Teddy Howe – 8

An impressive performance from the young right back. Howe defended strongly, positioning himself well to limit attacking runs on his side of the pitch. Offensively he chipped in with some really dangerous crosses into the area.

Andre Burley – 6

Burley has a tough time in the first leg against the physical presence of Armand Gnanduillet but he had produced a better showing yesterday. He battled well for every ball and didn’t give Gnanduillet the time to pluck the ball out of the air.

Tom Mcintyre – 9

An incredibly mature display from Mcintyre. He showed maturity beyond his years, organising the defence effectively throughout and looking incredibly composed in possession. More performances like that and Bowen could have a real selection dilemma.

Omar Richards – 5

Struggled somewhat in the opening moments of the game, looking a little exposed in the left back position. Improved and produced a few dangerous runs forward and also hit the woodwork.

Andy Rinomhota – 7

A competent display, Rinomhota essentially did what Pele has been doing well in recent weeks – doing the ugly stuff in the middle of the pitch and helping Reading win the midfield battle.

Garath McCleary – 8

Utilized in a more defensive role by Bowen yesterday, the captain on the evening produced an effective display in the middle of the pitch. He showed his experience and read the game well, as well as getting forward and playing dangerous balls into the box.

Michael Olise – 8

Olise showed flashes of what he can offer Reading as he continues to mature. He was creative, going on a number of mazy runs as he sought to create space for the forwards to exploit. Drew his fair share of fouls when needed and showed maturity to not get involved with Guy – who continued to leave a boot in on Olise after he got rid of the ball.

Jordan Obita – 7

Took his goal well (eventually!) and got in to some nice positions offensively. His crossing was a real asset as well, although arguably he could’ve supported Richards a little better defensively.

Lucas Boye – 8

Deserved his goal and looked a different player after finding the back of the net. He looked to get an almost instantaneous confidence boost, which was summarized by his acrobatic effort in the second half.

Danny Loader – 7

Another decent cup showing from the young forward, who looked full of energy and drive as he attempted to get in behind the Blackpool back line on a number of occasions.

With all of the substitutes making very late cameos, none featured for long enough to award a rating.