JOSH Sims believes he is perfectly suited to Paul Clement’s style of play after joining Reading FC on loan for the season.

Sims, 21, decided the time is right to leave Southampton in the hope of securing regular first-team football with the Royals.

He watched Reading’s 1-0 defeat to Bolton at Madejski Stadium on Saturday before finalising his move late on Monday.

And attacking midfielder Sims – who could make his debut at Blackburn tomorrow night (7.45pm ko) – feels he will slot nicely into Clement’s system.

“I think the philosophy of what the manager wants and how the team plays can definitely benefit me,” he said. “I’m definitely looking forward to playing.

“That’s why I’m here I think, they play football that I enjoy.

“The foundations are there and the way they play football and how they look to attack is definitely there. It’s just the hardest bit now by hitting the ball in the back of the net.

"There’s a long way to go and I’m sure we’ll do well by the end of the season.”

Sims has been around the Saints first-team since breaking onto the scene under Claude Puel two seasons ago.

The former England Under 20 international made his debut against Everton in November 2016, clocked up 13 appearances that season and set up ex-Royals striker Shane Long’s late winner at Liverpool in the League Cup semi final.

Reading Chronicle:

Josh Sims will wear the No.19 shirt for Reading FC. 

But despite some eye-catching displays, managerial changes arguably halted his progress and he was back at square one under Mauricio Pellegrino.

He eventually won the Argentine’s affections after making a superb impact in the 1-1 draw at Burnley only for Saints to change their manager again.

Sims was only used sparingly by current Saints boss Mark Hughes last season as they narrowly avoided relegation and has begun this campaign in the Under 23s.

But he is not prepared to hang around St Mary’s for another chance and opted to join Royals on loan.

Sims explained: “I got my chance at Southampton. There were a couple of injuries and I got my break.

"I had a good few games but now is a good time for me to go out on loan and prove myself week in week out and just improve my overall game.

“Rather than playing one game here and there, I’m trying to get a run of games and prove myself.”

He added: “I’m delighted. It all happened quickly over the course of the last few days but I’m delighted to be here now and to meet the players and staff and I’m looking forward to the games ahead.

“It’s been on the cards a while but in the last few days it’s all sped up quite fast which is good because now I’m here and I’m not waiting around.

“I’m quite a direct, fast attacking player, so from what I’ve seen at the weekend I can definitely incorporate that into the way Reading play.

“I can benefit them and they can benefit me with my progression.”