STEVE Clarke heaped praise on Aaron Tshibola after the Reading FC startlet signed a four-year deal yesterday.

The 20-year-old midfielder put pen to paper on a new contract that keeps him at Madejski Stadium until summer 2019.

Tshibola was linked with a move to the Premier League over the summer, but the Reading Academy graduate has now pledged his future to the Royals.

And Clarke confirmed the youngster's rapid improvement convinced him to let an established midfielder leave the club at the end of last season.

Both Danny Guthrie and Hope Akpan departed Madejski Stadium recently, while former club skipper Jem Karacan joined Galatasaray on a three-year deal when his contract expired with the Royals.

Clarke said: “Aaron has been great. He came back to us from a good loan spell with Hartlepool last season where he was outstanding.

“I could tell from his first week back at training that he had progressed and moved to a different level.

“That allowed me to make some decisions over the summer. I let an experienced midfielder go because I knew Aaron was ready to step in.

“He's another Academy boy with a really big future in front of him. We're delighted he's agreed to sign and stay here for a few more years.”

Tshibola made his Reading debut last season at Nottingham Forest, and then made a big impact on loan at Hartlepool United, playing 23 games as Ronnie Moore’s side made a miracle escape from relegation from League Two.

But Clarke stressed he has no intention of loaning out Tshibola again.

“No, no, Aaron stays in my squad this season,” declared the Scot.

Tshibola could be included in the Reading squad for tomorrow night's televised clash against Ipswich Town at Madejski Stadium (8pm).

However, centre-back Paul McShane picked up a back injury on international duty with Republic of Ireland recently and is a serious doubt.

That is likely to mean Michael Hector will step in alongside Anton Ferdinand for his first start since his £4 million move to Chelsea last week which included an agreement to return to Royals on loan for the remainder of the season.

Reading are unbeaten in their last six matches in all competitions but are yet to record a victory at Madejski Stadium this season.

However, Royals did the double over Ipswich last season with a pair of 1-0 victories home and away.