Nicky Shorey was left very pleased with the three points against Birmingham on Saturday, and he doesn't care one iota that it wasn't easy on the eye.

In a game of that magnitude, neither team was ever going to play slick, flowing football, and both of the Royals' goals came from set pieces.

The win moves us five points clear of the relegation zone, and the result was the absolute be-all and end-all.

Nicky said, "We're very glad of the win. It was never going to be pretty, what with everything riding on the game.

"Fair play to Birmingham, they gave it a good go and there was not much to choose between the teams. They're a good side and there wasn't much in it.

"Thankfully though the job is done, that's all that matters. We just have to make sure we follow it up with a win against Blackburn this coming Saturday.

"People might think we've got a cushion below us now, but it can dwindle. We went eight without a win then got two on the spin and went back up there."

Andre Bikey was the unlikely hero with both our goals, and Nicky said, "He gets up and attacks them well, it's not a surprise. John Oster showed great quality on the first one, we can be dangerous from those positions."

Finally, Nicky missed out on a place in Fabio Capello's England squad this week, the first time he has not been in the squad since his debut selection at the end of last season.

He said, It always disappointing, of course. But my biggest concern is just us staying in this division. It's an honour to represent your country, I hope I can do it again soon, but we're making sure we're here next season."