Optimistic Naby Sarr still looking up at Huddersfield Town

Assigned with a leadership role in the heart of defence in the absence of Richard Stearman, Christopher Schindler and Tommy Elphick, the former Charlton Athletic centre-back was left to reflect on a key contribution from Reading marksman Lucas Joao, whose quickfire double put paid to Town’s hopes of a sixth successive home league win for the first time in over 17 years.

Sarr said: “Of course, everyone was talking about it as it did not happen for so long. It was a nice record.

“I think we gave the game away in 10 minutes, but it is not the first time that happened to us.

“It was frustrating because I felt we had the game under control. Reading had some chances, but I think we controlled the game well. It was so unfortunate to lose concentration so quickly in the second half.

“I think we can do better. With the two goals, we could have avoided them, even though the second one was a great finish. We must use this defeat to work hard and learn in how we conceded these two goals to move forward.”

Town, who take a break from league action this weekend when they host Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup, find themselves in the centre ground of the Championship and trail the side occupying the final play-off spot in Watford by six points.

They hold a comfortable 12-point buffer above the relegation positions.

Retaining optimism that Town can continue to look up the table as opposed to over their shoulders, the Frenchman added: “It is just the first half of the season and anything can happen. We have to be more consistent to get as many points as we can and we will see what happens.”

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