JORDAN Obita wants to show Nigel Adkins he can be his new midfield playmaker.

The talented teenager is hoping to keep his place in the team against Doncaster Rovers this Saturday after starting Reading’s last three Championship matches.

But the return to fitness of Jobi McAnuff and Hal Robson-Kanu and the imminent return of Royston Drenthe will only intensify the competition in Royals’ midfield.

However, Obita, 19, insists he is happy to play anywhere across the middle of the park and sees his long-term future in a more central position.

He told the Chronicle: “I’ve told the manager I would like to play a more central role because I see more of the ball and I want to be a playmaker.

“When I was in the youth teams here we had a lot of central midfielders so I asked to play out wide because I was pretty quick and it meant I played every game.

“I think the previous manager Brian McDermott thought I was a winger so he kept me out wide but I’ve told this manager I believe I can play in the centre.

“I’m really enjoying being involved in the first team. I will keep trying to impress the manager in training and get more time on the pitch.

“I’ve been out on loan a few times so I am used to playing first-team football. But I don’t want any more loans, I want to play for my club now.”

Oxford-born Obita’s rise through the Royals ranks to first-team player is a real fairytale story.

He had trials with Oxford United when he was very young but was snapped up by Royals playing for a local Sunday team.

“I’ve been here since I was eight years old so it’s been a long journey,” explained Obita, who still harbours international ambitions having represented England Under 19s.

“When you are young I used to watch these players on television and now I am playing with some of them in the same Reading team which is quite crazy really.

“But it’s what I’ve always wanted and I want to take the opportunity if I can.”

He also recalled: “It all started when I was playing for a Sunday league team back in Oxford called Florence Park who are a pretty good side.

“A local guy called Michael Malone scouted me when I was young, though I don’t think he’s around any more.

“I also had a trial at Oxford when I was eight but I chose Reading.

“I used to get loads of stick at school. Obviously Reading are Oxford’s rivals but I think I made the right decision.”

On-loan Southampton striker Billy Sharp could be available for the Royals after picking up a groin strain while Garath McCleary is likely to be available after recovering from injury.

But Royston Drenthe and Danny Williams remain sidelined along with long-term absentees Jem Karacan, Mikele Leigertwood and Jason Roberts.

** READING FC fans can watch the first-team train at Madejski Stadium during half-term on Monday, October 28.

Royals will throw the doors open to the public between 10.30am and 2.30pm.

The first-team will be training from 11am until 12pm before players meet fans and sign autographs from 1pm onwards.

Meanwhile, a new Reading FC store will open in The Oracle Shopping Centre in Reading on Monday. The store, in the upper mall, will be officially opened by Royals chairman Sir John Madejski. **