Reading boss Alan Pardew said he still needs to find out how to get the best out of Shaun Goater after the club's star striker was substituted for the second time in two games on Wednesday night.

First Division Reading beat Boston United of the Third Division 3-1 in the Carling Cup, but Goater was not among the goals.

However, Pardew praised the 33-year-old's contribution.

"No team in the league has got things nailed down and right. You need to find out your new players' weaknesses and strengths and make sure your team accommodates that," the boss said.

"We've not found that yet, but neither has any other team. I've got to protect Shaun for Saturday. I thought he was terrific in the first half.

"We trained yesterday morning and perhaps he didn't need to do that. I still need to know how to handle him and get the best out of him. I don't know his game inside out yet, but his link-up play was terrific."