READING first-team coach John O'Shea admits Colchester United initially caused them problems in their Carabao Cup first-round tie.

The Royals were forced to come from behind to win after falling behind to Jevani Brown's strike, at the Madejski Stadium.

Colchester were the better side in the first half and only Lucas Joao's strike on the stroke of half-time prevented the Championship side from going in at the break behind.

But the hosts were more dominant in the second and two more goals from Joao to complete his hat-trick wrapped up Reading's comeback win.

Former Manchester United defender O'Shea was on the touchline with assistant Eddie Niedzwiecki, with newly-appointed boss Veljko Paunović in quarantine.

Paunovic attended Reading's pre-season training camp in Portugal and will take over fully, next Tuesday.

O'Shea said: "We made the lads aware beforehand what cup-ties are like, when you're playing against lower league teams.

"They're really up for it, they're really positive and they're trying to cause us lots of problems and they did initially.

"Thankfully, we adapted, we coped with it and we stopped rushing.

"We were a bit calmer and we were a bit more positive in possession, like we were for our first goal.

"It was a lovely bit of play, a great cross and real aggression from Lucas - that was very pleasing to see.

"There was also the positive of the younger players coming in and making a good impression.

"There were lots of positives especially in the second half but lots of things to work on as well.

"Veljko (Paunović) picked the team and then once the game started, we were in control of everything then.

"He's a really upbeat guy and he wants to impose his personality onto the team.

"He wants to be very clinical in attack and very narrow and tight in defence.

"If we can get all of those ideas across, that will be very positive.

Joao was Reading's hero on the day, with the Portuguese striker hitting a fine hat-trick.

O'Shea added: "Everyone is fully aware that we need that work rate along with the talent and if you push those things together, he's a fantastic striker.

"We need to keep him fit.

"He's a real top personality in the dressing room and around the place.

"You saw how the team plays when he is fit - he's a big asset."