The Royals pushed Championship Burnley all the way in the FA Cup Third Round, with Clarets star Zian Flemming coming off the bench to score twice to seal the victory in extra time. “I’m very proud of the lads, pushing a top Championship side with loads of quality and international experience,” Hunt was quoted as saying. “Some of them have more international experience than we do in league matches. We pushed a top squad all the way to extra time, and I believe fatigued legs cost us in the end. We have a number of boys returning from long-term injuries and fighting illnesses, which we attempted to keep quiet about, but I’m pleased with some of our performances.

“It took us a little while to believe that we could go head to head. We had a great opportunity to chat with them for a few seconds and tell them where we could step in a little more aggressively and make it more our game. The boys responded brilliantly, and I’m quite delighted with how we controlled the game’s spells. “I’m really happy with the discipline to hold the pockets, even though our full backs are not fully fit.”You’re bringing in the best forward in the Championship- Flemming has had an outstanding season. We have Manu coming on at 17 and Tyler Sackey in a different position because they must do it for the team. I think they all dug deep- Ashqar coming on- and they gave a good account of themselves. We don’t want to get beat, I hate getting beat and it makes me feel sick, but there has to be a context to it and a logical look at it from a footballing side and I’m pleased with how a lot of our players performed.”

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