Hammond: HRK can be a striker

It seems that Nicky Hammond could be hinting at a new positional role for Hal Robson-Kanu, after his recent quotes about the player.

The Royals’ director of football was speaking about the Welsh international, after he signed a two-year extension on his current contract. The centre forward position is not an unfamiliar one to Robson-Kanu, who filled in on the odd occasion under McDermott.

Speaking to the Official Reading FC website, Hammond said: “I`m very pleased to have secured Hal`s signing. He is a player who is improving year on year – to the extent that he scored seven goals in the toughest league in the world last season and also became a mainstay of Welsh national squad.’

“He can play on both the right or the left and, going forward, we also believe he can develop into a very effective central striker. The challenge is now there for him to become a regular starter in this team and a big player for us in the Championship this season.”

Hal certainly has all the qualities to be a centre forward – strong, fast and usually composed in front of goal. I would rather him stay as a winger for a few more seasons, before branching out to be a striker. He still has a lot to learn at 24 years of age.

Wiki page: Hal Robson-Kanu