Veljko Paunovic was a proud manager after his side won at Ewood Park – a ground he said he’d once dreamed of playing in.

Paunovic’s side extended their unbeaten start to the season to eight games, chalking up a seventh win, courtesy of goals from Yakou Meite, Michael Olise, Josh Laurent and Lucas Joao.

The 43-year-old felt it was his side’s most complete performance of an incredible start to the season, partly owing to his view that Rovers will be among the top six contenders.

Paunovic never did achieve his dream of playing in England, but described Ewood as a ‘monument of football’ after his side’s victory.

“I feel very, very proud of the guys,” he explained.

“I’m especially proud because this fantastic result and performance came at this monument of football.

“This stadium is very known to me since I was young and I was dreaming about playing one day here.

“But now as a coach, coming here to win with a fantastic team and spirit which we have in our group is unique.

“And that uniqueness is something that we want to keep fostering and cultivating because it’s very important that our players continue with this commitment so far.

“It’s fantastic and I am full of gratitude to this group.”

Reading were ahead after just eight seconds following a mix-up in the Rovers backline. It was a moment of fortune for the visitors, but Paunovic said it was something his staff had worked on with the players.

He added: “We always create positive expectations and this action was created from our stuff.

“It’s great that it worked because it continues to grow the trust and the belief between all the team.

“Starting on the front foot was very important for us especially after a couple of games where we didn’t have good first halves.

“We put emphasis on that and we are so appreciative to our team for everything we propose.

“There is not only a reaction, there is an acceptance and an embracement of the ideas.”