Alex Pearce had put the Royals ahead against the run of play before Federici - who was outstanding in the first period to keep Forest at bay - made a horrible mess of a clearance to allow Robert Earnshaw to pounce.

McDermott said: "Adam has held his hands up and apologised but he had no need to because he has made a fantastic save from (Paul) Anderson in the first half.

"He's done it a hundred times without a problem and it's one of those things that happens and when you are a goalkeeper it is highlighted.

"There were two really committed sides out there and at least we got a point. They have got good players and pass the ball well. We are simmering at the moment and just aren't getting any luck.

"I felt we should have got our first win against Portsmouth, but league positions don't count much after two or three league games.

"Of course we want to win our home games, but we got a point so it's a point won. That's the way it is and now we look forward to the cup tie against Northampton on Tuesday.

There was mixed news on the fitness front for McDermott, who added: "Andy Griffin had to come off shortly after the start because of a slight hamstring strain. It's a bit of a problem and we need to manage it.

"Matt Mills came through safely after injury and needed the 90 minutes."

Forest manager Billy Davies felt his team deserved to go on and win the game but is still looking to strengthen his squad before the transfer deadline.

He said: "I am delighted with the point and we should have taken all three. Their goalkeeper didn't deserve that because he kept them in the game, but the goal was no more than we deserved after dominating the first half.

"I am very clear what we have to do now. We must add quality, quantity and depth to this squad.

"The process is quite simple. You have to identify targets, look at valuations and then ask whether we can pay the transfer fees and match the personal terms. That's the big question.

"I don't know whether we can because I don't do that. We finished third in the league last season and I am clear in mind what has to be done; identify, evaluate and see if we can pay.

"I am more concerned about performance than where we are in the league at the moment.

"Our fans know that in the games they have watched so far we have had a lack of discipline through age and a weak underbelly but they gave us standing ovations at Burnley and here again at Reading, who should have been dead and buried at half-time."