The former England Under-21 international moved to the Madejski Stadium in August last year but had to wait until club captain Graeme Murty was injured last month before finally getting a run of matches in his preferred position of right-back.

He said: "If you aren't picked for 20 games it's hard because that's a good four months of the season. Some days I wasn't even in the 16 when we were travelling away and I was watching Soccer Saturday at home. It was frustrating."

love playing

He added: "You want those people to be talking about you and saying what a good player you are but at the same time it makes you hungrier and more focused to make sure you stay there once you get in the team.

"You have to be confident when you get the chance to perform and do what you love to do. I love playing and performing in front of crowds.

"I am in the first team arena and want to make sure I keep it that way by helping the team and being a positive part of it."