HE arrived in Berkshire as Reading’s stellar January signing after showing huge promise at Manchester City.

But George Evans is the first to admit his high-profile move hasn’t quite gone to plan.

Injuries along with the intense competition for places in Royals’ midfield meant the 21-year-old struggled to force his way into Brian McDermott’s first-team.

An earlier loan spell at League One Walsall also prevented him from taking part in Reading’s FA Cup run, which ended in defeat to Crystal Palace in the quarter finals.

But on Saturday Evans played his first 90 minutes in a Royals shirt in only his fourth club appearance in the 1-1 draw at QPR.

It is a sign of things to come next season when loan midfielders Lucas Piazon, Michael Hector and Alex Fernandez will have rejoined their parent clubs, pushing Evans up the pecking order.

And he can’t wait for a regular start in the side.

“It’s a fantastic team and squad and so it’s difficult to nail a place down every week,” he admitted.

“I’ve been working hard and I’m going to continue to work hard to try and keep my place in the team now.

“I want to play in every game I can. Obviously it’s up to the manager, but I’m just going to work hard and give myself every opportunity to do that.

“I’m really excited for the next game now and really looking forward to it.”

McDermott clearly sees a bright future for Evans after signing him on a three-and-a-half year deal.

It is thought no transfer fee was involved as his contract with Manchester City, whom he joined aged six, was due to expire this summer.

Royals will have to pay bonuses and add-ons based on appearances and goals as he develops into the player McDermott hopes he will become.

Evans is now likely to keep his place in the Reading team for Saturday’s last home fixture of the season against Preston North End (3pm ko).

And the ex-England U19 star was encouraged by the fight Royals showed to gain a point at QPR last weekend to end a run of four straight defeats.

“I thought the lads dug in and everyone worked really hard for each other,” he stressed. “Obviously we want to go on and win games but we’ll take the point.

“We’ve conceded some late goals recently, but every game we’ve played in we’ve played well.

“This team is really exciting – the amount of hard work they put in behind the scenes and the effort they put in on the pitch is brilliant.”

Evans made his first-team debut for Manchester City in the Capital One Cup victory at Sunderland earlier this season.

He was also named on the bench for Manuel Pellegrini’s side’s Premier League fixture against Tottenham as well as their Champions League visit to Borussia Monchengladbach.

He was one of eight from Patrick Vieira’s Elite Development Squad to join the likes of Sergio Aguero on a post-season tour to Toronto and he was also heavily involved in City’s pre-season schedule ahead.

But he has settled well in Reading and is relishing what the future holds.
He declared: “It’s a fantastic set of lads, it’s a great team as well and it’s a team I’m really excited about.

“It’s a pleasure to be involved. They’ve made it easy for me to settle in."

This Saturday, McDermott's could recall Paul McShane and Danny Williams who have served their three-match bans for their bust-up at Middlesbrough.

Fit-again Hal Robson-Kanu could also be involved, though Jordan Obita remains sidelined with a hamstring problem.

However, McDermott will be without the services of Michael Hector and Lucas Piazon, who have both been recalled by Chelsea one week before their loan deals were due to end.

Meanwhile, Reading's Player of the Season will be unveiled before Saturday's 3pm kick off.

Ali Al Habsi, Oliver Norwood, Chris Gunter, McShane and Robson-Kanu are believed to be among the leading contenders.