JLLOYD Samuel has revealed how a rousing half-time team talk from manager Gary Megson proved the catalyst for Saturday's crucial victory at Middlesbrough.

Wanderers were staring at defeat at the Riverside after being totally outplayed for the first 45 minutes.

The Whites were fortunate to be going into the break on level terms, but Megson, mindful that Reading had lost at Arsenal and Fulham were behind at home to Liverpool, delivered an inspirational team talk that spurred his players on to victory.

"There were not too many expletives," Samuel said. "The manager just told us that we had a great opportunity to do something, and that these opportunities didn't come around too often.

"He told us that we had 45 minutes to change our season, we realised that and went out and did the job.

"We rode our luck a bit in the first half, but we haven't had much luck all season. In the second half we just steamrollered them and deserved to win."

The victory took Wanderers out of the relegation zone and has given the Whites' players and fans alike the belief that they can still preserve their Premier League status.

"It's looking much better now," admitted Samuel, who has impressed at left-back since returning to the team against West Ham last week.

"The result put us in good stead, and we are now ready for kicking on. We just want to keep things ticking now.

"Obviously we knew what situation we were in and it was about the players rolling up their sleeves and getting on with the job. We are proving that we want to get out of it.

"Everyone's sticking together and, with the spirit we now have in the team, we have to keep going.

"We are looking at the teams above us. We want to keep them in our sights, and by winning our games we are putting pressure on everyone around us.

"We've got another tough game coming up and hopefully we can go down to Tottenham and nick something. Hopefully Spurs won't turn up, and we do."

Samuel, who is enjoying being back in the starting line-up, added: "It's nice to be playing again.

"I know what I am capable off and hopefully I can keep on doing well. I am enjoying my football, and that is showing on the pitch."