JAAP Stam insists Reading FC striker Joseph Mendes has a future at the club, despite not having made a single Championship start since his switch from Le Havre.

Fans questioned whether Mendes was the answer to the Royals' problems up front when he moved to Berkshire in last summer's transfer window on a two-year deal.

The Frenchman has found his first-team opportunities limited under Stam, and he has only made nine appearances for the club, all from the bench.

The forward suffered a slight knock earlier in the campaign which ruled him out for several weeks, but he has been back in full training for some time.

However, Stam admits the 25-year-old is not yet ready to force his way into his starting XI, and insists Mendes must improve.

He said: "He is fit, he's in the squad but because of having a big squad we need to make choices about who we are taking to every game.

"Certain players need to develop and Joseph is one of them, we think he has a lot of potential but he is not there yet.

"He's not ready to start and I need to chose. If Yann Kermorgant is starting, do we have Joseph or Yakou Meite or others on the bench?"

Despite his game-time being limited this season, Stam assured fans that Mendes has a future at the club.

10-goal Kermorgant has been Reading's go-to striker throughout the season, with Garath McCleary also slotting in as a makeshift striker at times.

The Royals also bought in Bournemouth forward Lewis Grabban on a loan deal in the January transfer window for added power up front.

And Dutchman Stam is hopeful Mendes has learned his lessons on the training ground at Hogwood Park, should he need to call on him.

"He has a future at Reading otherwise we wouldn't have brought him in," declared Stam.

"Some players are very quick at adapting to the system but other players need more time.

"Sometimes it can take up to a season before they really understand what we want them to do."

Mendes is yet to score for the Royals but has netted six times for the Under 23s.

Meanwhile, Kermorgant, who announced his retirement plans yesterday, is set to start against Leeds United in Saturday's mouthwatering clash at Madejski Stadium (5.30pm ko, live Sky Sports).

Leeds United manager Garry Monk confirmed today he expects 24-goal top scorer Chris Wood to be fit after he picked up an injury on international duty this week.

Kermorgant riled Leeds fans by claiming Monk's side 'have no plan B' without Wood in their side.