Alex McLeish

Alex McLeish admitted that once again individual error sproved to be his side's downfall following their 2-1 defeat at Reading.

Reading's Andre Bikey twice got the better of defender Radhi Jaidi to score either side of half time.

But McLeish believed that despite this his own side created more than enough chances to leave the Madejski Stadium with at least a point, if not a victory.

"I'm very frustrated and desperately disappointed to be leaving here with nothing," said McLeish.

"We could have won it never mind lost the game.

"And to lose the goals in the manner we did - individual errors cost us.

Andre Bikey beats Radhi Jaidi to score Reading's opening goal

"It was something we tried to address at half time, but it was same player and same marker, so what do you?

"It's impossible for me to guarantee it won't happen again and it did.

"It's a double disappointment that we didn't learn from the mistake in the first half.

"I know Jaidi is very disappointed himself.

"He's an international and has got 90 odd caps and he knows that in those situations they must all do better.

"At the other end we've also wasted some good chances.

"I thought Mikael Forssell was extremely unlucky when his shot hit Hahnemann's heels, but credit to the goalie for being there."

James McFadden

McLeish suffered a further blow before kick off when James McFadden was ruled out with a knee injury.

The striker's omission saw Mauro Zarate slot in up front alongside Mikael Forssell and also fire home his first goal since moving to Blues.

"It was a huge loss for us because James has been in excellent form," added McLeish.

"He's brought something to the team and inspired the other players.

"But it's a chance for the other players to stand up and I thought there were one or two good performances.

"Mikael started well and then faded a little bit and came back strongly in the second half and laid on the goal for Zarate who was quite brightly also."