Published: Friday, 7th August, 2009 4:00pm

Young guns eager to make their mark

by Ben Steele

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THE young footballer of the 21st century is often held up as the prime example of a too-much, too-soon that exists within the game.

Stories of untried teenagers demanding multi-million pound contracts with a few dozen substitute appearances under their belts or players having their heads turned by the trappings of fame hardly make back (or front) page news any more.

But any signs of that attitude among the young bucks straining at the leash at Reading's Hogwood Park training complex is pleasingly absent.

With almost a full team of young talent bursting to make their impact in the Royals first XI, many fans might wonder whether the hunger evident in Reading's last promotion winning side may have dissipated.

But a closer look reveals that their presence in the 2009/10 side could be the start of something special. Simon Church (pictured right) is typical of the bunch.

Having already made his full international debut he has arguably already achieved more in his career than any number of Premier League stars earning many thousands of pounds a week.

But the modest 20-year-old admits he only has eyes for one thing this season.

He said: "I'm looking for that number one spot up top, but we have got some very good strikers at the club.

"I have just got to keep getting my head down, keep scoring goals and the chances will come.

"It's the best job in the world and I've got a chance now and I'm fully focused on taking it."

After spells on loan at Crewe, Yeovil, Wycombe and Leyton Orient, Church was finally pitched in for his full debut in Reading's biggest game of the season - the play-off semi-final second leg against Burnley.

 While he could not find the goal to fire the Royals to Wembley, he revealed it will stand him in good stead ahead of the new term.

He said: "I was waiting all year and then got my chance in the biggest game of the season, it was ideal to make my debut in a game like that.

"It really boosted my confidence, starting for Reading and then making my full debut for Wales as well. You take that through pre-season and now it is a case of putting it all together.

"It's been a really good pre-season. The guys have come together and we have started to play some really good football, especially in Sweden.

"And it was the same for the Chelsea game. It's the sort of game you really look forward to because they are one of the big four packed with Premier League experience.

"You look up to players like Nicolas Anelka and Didier Drogba and you pick up so many different things playing against them.

"The new manager has been tremendous since he has come in, all the lads have enjoyed training and there's a totally different buzz around the club now."

And Church is not a one-off.

Fellow academy graduate Hal Robson-Kanu could be set for his chance in a hooped jersey against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

And making a good impression in his loan spells, and against Ashley Cole in Saturday' s friendly with Chelsea, has left him hungry for more.

He said: "I have started five out of six games in pre-season, which is terrific for me. I played a lot of games last season for Swindon and Southend and I'm really enjoying getting the chance to play.

"All you can do is come to training, work hard every day and then the best team will get picked at the end of it and then you hope they can go out there and do the job."

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