O'Neill Delighted With Reception For Graham

Last updated : 03 February 2013 By Tott Dixon - Seaham

Martin O'Neill: "I was delighted with Danny Graham and delighted for him.

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"He got an excellent reception from the away fans and made his mark on the game and got very close to what might have been the winning goal and I was delighted with him.

"I felt we are in reasonable form, so we have come in with a bit of confidence.

"But that said they started better in the match and eventually - although they scored early - when we have got back in the game we looked reasonably strong and I thought we had enough chances in the game, before they scored, to change the outcome.

"They kept putting the ball in behind us, which is their prerogative and they caused us a few problems and we got back in the game.

"We weren't just back in it but I thought we had a foothold.

"There is always the possibility of conceding, even the teams with the best records but at any moment of the game.

"We conceded a rather sloppy free-kick but for their player to head home from almost under the bar is particularly disappointing.

"Alfred N'Diaye blazed wide from inside the box and I thought that was the one, great link-up play with Adam Johnson but he must strike it on target and the miss has given Reading renewed hope at that stage of winning the game.

"But that said Alfred has only just started and he will learn and has done very well and there are some aspects of his game we all think we could improve on, and although disappointed at that [chance] I thought he did okay."