'Disgusting challenge' on O'Connor - Richardson

Reading boss Leam Richardson described the incident that resulted in defender Paudie O'Connor having to leave Tuesday's draw with Bolton Wanderers with a facial injury as "terrible" and "disgusting".

The centre-back was caught in the face by Johnny Kenny's right boot having gone to ground after a battle for the ball whilst running towards his own goal.

Medical staff attended to O'Connor on the pitch, but he left the field with a bloodied face.

Referee Peter Wright awarded a foul in the aftermath but did not show a yellow or red card.

"It's a terrible [challenge], it's an absolute terrible one, [a] disgusting one," Richardson told BBC Radio Berkshire.

"He's getting stitched as we speak now, his teeth have suffered, you can see through his mouth."

The 28-year-old has made 22 appearances and scored two goals for Reading since arriving in the summer.

Striker Jack Marriott continued his goalscoring run in the match against Bolton with his fourth goal in two games.

The 31-year-old has hit the ground running since his summer move from Wrexham and is now the top scorer in League One this season with 16 goals.

However, Marriott was forced off with an injury.

"He snatched at a shot just before half-time," Richardson said. "He felt something in his back... it's too early to say, but hopefully it's not as bad as we think."

Marriott said the injury would not be something that would keep him out long-term.

"My back was spasming in the second half," he told BBC Radio Berkshire., external "I'll be OK for Saturday, I'll take everything I can get from the pharmacy."

The Royals are eighth in League One, two points below the top six.

They are next in action on Saturday when they visit rock bottom Port Vale.