NIALL Keown this week committed his future to Reading FC by signing a new three-year deal.

Keown, 20, was in the Royals squad that travelled to Bangkok and Koh Samui last week, starting at centre-back alongside Anton Ferdinand in a 2-2 draw against a Thai All Stars XI.

And manager Steve Clarke believes Keown – son of ex-England, Arsenal and Reading defender, Martin – is good enough to bcome a first-team regular.

“Niall has progressed well through the Academy and has very good defensive attributes,” he said. “He is tenacious in his challenges both in the air and on the ground and deservedly made his full first team debut at Watford last season.

“There is still a lot to work on, but it’s good that he has committed to Reading as we feel he has the potential to become a regular member of our first team squad.” NIALL Keown this week committed his future to Reading FC by signing a new three-year deal.

Keown, 20, was in the Royals squad that travelled to Bangkok and Koh Samui last week, starting at centre-back alongside Anton Ferdinand in a 2-2 draw against a Thai All Stars XI.

And manager Steve Clarke believes Keown – son of ex-England, Arsenal and Reading defender, Martin – is good enough to bcome a first-team regular.

“Niall has progressed well through the Academy and has very good defensive attributes,” he said. “He is tenacious in his challenges both in the air and on the ground and deservedly made his full first team debut at Watford last season.

“There is still a lot to work on, but it’s good that he has committed to Reading as we feel he has the potential to become a regular member of our first team squad.”