Alfie: I’ve wanted to prove myself at higher level

Reading striker Adam Le Fondre has admitted he has always wanted to prove himself at a higher level, having spent the majority of his career in League Two.

The 24-year old scored the two crucial goals against Southampton which won the Royals the game and puts them on the verge of promotion. Despite not being a regular starter in the Reading side, Alfie has made a habit of coming on and scoring crucial goals off the bench. Winners against Watford, Millwall, Leeds and now Southampton has made him such a crucial asset in this superb run.

Speaking to Jonny Fordham of the Evening Post, Le Fondre stated: ‘This is one of the major highlights of my career so far. We haven’t won anything yet, but we’re in a great position to be promoted in the next two games or so. The boys put in a great performance and we fully deserved the win. They were just normal goals really, I’m just happy to score goals – that’s just me.’

‘I’ve come from League Two and I’ve wanted to prove myself at a higher level. Hopefully I’m doing that at Reading and my goals can help take us into the Prem. I always want to better myself and play at an ability where I can play. We’re not far off the Premier League, but we have to keep working hard in these last few games to get the right rests to get us there.’

The former Stockport striker could be rewarded after his important cameo appearances off the bench, with the possibility of starting Tuesday’s home game with Nottingham Forest. Jason Roberts could be the player to make way for Le Fondre after feeling a slight strain in his thigh against the Saints which forced him off on 78 minutes.