JAAP Stam is hoping Deniss Rakels will get his mojo back on international duty with Latvia.

The 24-year-old striker has not featured for the first team since breaking his ankle in an EFL Cup clash against MK Dons in August 2016.

And although the former Cracovia forward is back in full training and has made several appearances for Royals Under 23s, he is not up to full speed and has failed to make the first team.

But boss Stam believes a recall by Latvia, for whom he has played 15 times without scoring, could be the boost Rakels needs to rediscover his best form.

Reading Chronicle:

Deniss Rakels in action for Latvia.

Royals' boss explained: “He's not yet ready to join in with the first team squad.

“When you are training with a group and you can see it's not working out for you yet, you don't feel confident.

“You cannot play like you used to when you were fit and it can give a player an extra knock.

“Deniss needs to play more Under 23 matches to get his match fitness and we have talked about that.

“He just needs to get on with it now, work hard for himself and try and feel comfortable to do anything with his ankle, whether it's a block-tackle, a shot or whatever.”

And Stam stressed: “He's at that stage now where he can play and train but he needs his confidence back and maybe he'll get that with Latvia.”

Rakels is among a host of Reading players on international duty, with Stam's side set to return to Championship action on April 1 with a mouthwatering home clash against Leeds United.

Royals were beaten 2-0 at Elland Road in December and Stam is already plotting revenge on Leeds boss Garry Monk.