READING FC striker Yann Kermorgant insists his place in Jaap Stam’s starting line-up is not guaranteed and under constant threat from Dominic Samuel.

Samuel played 90 minutes in the 2-0 EFL Cup defeat against Arsenal at the Emirates last week.

The 22-year-old was one of Royals’ top performers on the night after showing glimpses of his full potential in a solid display.

It was the first time many Reading fans had watched Samuel close up as his Royals career has been hampered by injury and has included loan spells with Coventry City and Gillingham.

But he left a big impression on many supporters who were surprised to see Samuel dropped to the bench for the 2-0 Championship win against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

And veteran forward Kermorgant, who has consistently led the line for the Royals this season with Joseph Mendes, Yakou Meite and Deniss Rakels all injured, insists he is happy to fight for his place.

“I am not the kind of player that thinks that my position is always safe,” the Frenchman told the Reading Chronicle.

“I try to give my best every game that I play and I do my best to stay in the team.

“It’s good to have these young players coming from the Academy to push for a place in the starting XI.

“The Championship is a tough league and you need to have experience in the squad as well.

“Dominic is young but I think he will learn to be in the squad and when he gets the chance he will need to do well.

“I’m sure if he plays he will do well for the team.”

Kermorgant, 34, has netted three league goals for the Royals this season, including a last-gasp winner away at Cardiff and a stunning header in the 2-1 home defeat to Aston Villa.

And the Frenchman says he is working hard behind the scenes while passing on his vast experience to the younger players in the squad.

“I’m an experienced player and I am always there to help the young lads. I help Dominic, Joseph (Mendes) and all of the guys who can play in my position,” said the ex-Bournemouth promotion-winner.

“One day I could be out of the team or out injured and if that happens then the other players need to be ready.”

Kermorgant’s focus this week will be ensuring Royals put together another solid display away to Wigan Athletic on Saturday (3pm ko) before a two-week international break.

“Everything was not perfect against Nottingham Forest,” he stressed. “Ali (Al-Habsi) had to make some great saves.

“It’s another game that we will try to win, after that we have a break so we want to make sure we win to stay in this position.”