LIAM Kelly has been rewarded for a stellar season for Reading FC with a new three-year contract.

The 21-year-old midfielder shot to prominence during his debut season in Jaap Stam's first team and has been attracting interest from a number of clubs including Premier League Swansea City.

But Kelly, who was with non-league Bath City on loan a little over a year ago, has committed his future to Madejski Stadium after penning a fresh deal with the Royals until summer 2020.

The news comes only days after boss Stam, his coaching staff and right-back Chris Gunter all signed new contracts with the Royals.

Reading FC director of football, Brian Tevreden, beamed: "Developing our own players is exactly what we want to achieve at the club and Liam Kelly is a fine example.

"He came through the ranks here, broke into the first team last season, we gave him a new contract at the end of December and he went on to do very, very well.

"Liam is an outstanding player. He was a key part of the first team squad last season - he gave us everything and we wanted to give him something back.

"So the manager, myself, everyone within the club is pleased to see him sign this new deal."

Kelly's rapid progress has now led to three new contracts in a little over a year.

He penned a new deal in December after breaking into the first team and has now been handed another improved contract, seemingly to ward off interest from rival clubs.

Reading Chronicle:

Jaap Stam shows his appreciation of Liam Kelly.

Kelly joined the Royals Academy as an eight-year-old where he was schooled by the late Eamonn Dolan and his youth team coaches.

He made his first-team debut last August in an EFL Cup win over MK Dons and went on to make 34 league and cup appearances including the Championship play-off final against Huddersfield at Wembley.

While Reading lost the shootout on penalties, Kelly buried his spot-kick with aplomb by firing past Terriers keeper Danny Ward.

The Republic of Ireland U21 international also earned a call-up to Martin O'Neill's senior squad for a training camp in March and is likely to make his debut in the near future.

Reading chief executive Nigel Howe added: “Securing the services of the best players at our club remains a high priority and Liam Kelly is an extremely exciting young midfielder with proven ability and tremendous potential for the future.

“He took first team football in his stride last season and Liam certainly deserves this new contract. I am confident he will become an even better player as his career continues to develop."