Reading FC, Bolton Wanderers evidence hands Noel Hunt a key dilemma | OneFootball

Michael Craig put in a showing that could keep the likes of Kelvin Abrefa and Andy Yiadom out of the starting lineup.

Reading secured a much-needed victory against Bolton Wanderers on Saturday afternoon, with Harvey Knibbs' penalty making the difference in the end.

Both teams had chances and Aaron Collins, in particular, had some good opportunities to secure all three points for the Trotters at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, but a handball from Kion Etete late on allowed the Royals to win a rare penalty and Knibbs made no mistake from the spot to guide the Berkshire outfit to a vital three points.

Having been on a bad run of form, the hosts needed at least a point from the game to stabilise themselves, but they managed to win all three in the end.

Quite a few of the home side's players performed well at the weekend, with Joel Pereira making some important stops and Charlie Savage shining once again.

Jayden Wareham also deserves a shout-out for his performance, with the young forward doing well following Sam Smith's move to Wrexham.

Michael Craig performed well for Reading against Bolton Wanderers

Michael Craig was many people's man of the match against Bolton, with the young midfielder putting in another decent shift at right-back.

The former Tottenham Hotspur man has spent much of the campaign at right-back in the absence of Kelvin Abrefa and Andy Yiadom, with the Royals' inability to make many signings during the summer window contributing to this.

They weren't able to recruit a right-back during the most recent window either, but Craig's performance on Saturday would have eased fears about their current lack of options in this area.

Scoring against Burton Albion last week, he was able to follow that up with a promising attacking display against Steven Schumacher's side.

He already showed glimpses of his attacking quality earlier this season, also scoring against Exeter City and shining on the right-hand side in other games.

Chem Campbell wasn't able to stand out against Bolton at the weekend, but plenty of the Royals' attacks came down that side, with Craig's energy playing a big part in that.

His cross allowed Campbell to get a shot away in the opening 45 and he was also important in the defensive third - making an important interception after Bolton managed to get in behind the hosts' defence.

Michael Craig's performance could create dilemma for Noel Hunt

Hunt has had Abrefa back at his disposal for a few weeks now and it may not be too long until Yiadom also returns.

Both players will be hoping to secure starting spots in the coming months, especially Yiadom, who is out of contract in the summer and will be keen to make an impact before potentially moving on at the end of the season.

On his day, 'Yids' is a great full-back to have at this level and if he can return to his pre-injury form, he could prove to be a very decent asset, with the club captain someone who can provide leadership on the pitch and in the dressing room.

He may be approaching his mid-thirties now, but he will still be keen to play when he returns to full fitness.

Abrefa will also be keen to start games, considering he's 21 now and at a stage of his career where he needs as much game time as possible.

With the Royals' depth issues in mind, the Italy-born defender hasn't been able to secure a loan exit from the SCL Stadium, and that could hamper his development.

Hunt may be particularly keen to provide him with game time because of this, especially if the Berkshire outfit don't have much to play for during the latter stages of the season.

But at this stage, Craig is arguably playing too well to be dropped, and his performance against Bolton has probably helped him in his case to remain a regular starter.