Coach says Adkins will give youth a chance

Reading’s development coach Chris Cummins has said that the youth at the club will be given a chance under the new boss.

The likes of Michael Hector, Lawson D’Ath, Jordan Obita and Dominic Samuel are on the borderline of the first team, after successful loan spells in the lower leagues. Cummins, who manages the under 21 squad and coaches these players on a regular basis, feels that some of the younger members of the squad could get their chance in the coming weeks.

Speaking to the Reading Post, Cummins said: “The one thing that Adkins and Andy Crosby will do is give youth a chance. I`m sure one or two will have the chance to train and progress with the first team in the next year or so. The manager is very keen.’

‘He watches the games and has a good look at them and talks to the players involved.Players develop at different times, but the key thing is that when they have the opportunity in the first team they take it. It was the same with Brian McDermott. If the lads are good enough then they will get an opportunity.”

I would not be surprised to see Jordan Obita in the 18-man squad in the next few weeks, especially with Jimmy Kebe and Hal Robson-Kanu still injured. He had a successful loan spell at Oldham last month and decided to turn down an extension, to return to Berkshire and fight for a place under the new manager.