Boss to ‘protect’ youngsters

Nigel Adkins is keen to look after his young squad, as he understands the risk of throwing them in the deep end.

Nine under 21 players traveled with the first team squad to the Midlands two weeks ago and the likes of Aaron Tshibola, Craig Tanner and Aaron Kuhl have received lower squad numbers. With the ownership no closer to being done, a younger looking side is becoming an inevitability.

Speaking to the Official Reading FC website, Adkins said: ‘We’ve promoted nine under 21s into the first team group and they’re doing ever so well. They’ve shown a great attitude, ambition and ability. It’s a big step up, so it’s important we don’t put too much pressure on them.’

‘It’s everyone’s responsibility to help them. We have a young group of players and we have to be protective of them. They’ve not been thrown in and played loads of games, they need to be nurtured. I know the supporters will be right behind them and behind the team.’