Brian - Jake is a Shorey thing

Published 29 Jul 2010 10:30

READING boss Brian McDermott has backed academy product Jake Taylor to follow in the footsteps of Nick Shorey and go on to become a Royals legend.

The 18-year-old Welsh creative midfielder impressed as a second half substitute in Tuesday's 2-1 friendly win over Wolves.

And afterwards McDermott likened him to a young Shorey, who helped guide the Royals into the Premiership before winning a full England cap.

McDermott said: "He's played left-back, right-back, centre midfield and off the striker. He has shown he can play in a number of positions and he is a good footballer.

"I just said to him go and play in your proper position, which is as an attacking midfielder, and he did that and it was nice for him.

"He reminds me of Nicky Shorey when he first came to Reading. He is a young lad, but there were absolutely no nerves whatsoever."

And the youngster's form has led to a u-turn in the Royals decision to send him out on loan this season. McDermott added: "My feeling at the start of the summer was to look at loaning him out, but now I'm not so sure.

"He is in and around the squad now, so we will keep an eye on that one."

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