After signing a two-year deal with the Royals last week, Cox made his first start in the 3-1 Capital Cup win against Newport County on Tuesday.

The Tilehurst-born star played 80 minutes of the first round success following his £600,000 move from Nottingham Forest.

The link-up play between the newly-formed strike pair was one of the highlights of Royals’ performance - hinting at a bright future.

And the former Academy graduate believes they can become a difficult duo to deal with for opposing sides.

He told The Chronicle: “Obviously Pavel is a big, strong guy who takes a lot of defenders away with him. That allows me to play in between the lines and get in those little pockets that I like to.”

“I can bring other players into the game and run at defenders, and hopefully throughout the season you’ll be able to see that the partnership between me and Pog will work wonders.

“I think that every day I train with the boys they get to know me and I get to know them.

“Tuesday was a good workout and every day I’m getting fitter. All in all I’m pretty pleased.”

Cox received a rapturous welcome from Royals fans on Tuesday night and he could not hide his delight at being back at the club he left in 2008.

He beamed: “It was a great feeling to be back out there and putting the shirt on for my hometown club again.

“The reception from the fans was lovely, and I want to thank everyone who came out and witnessed a decent performance and a good win. They really played their part.

“Being in the hat for the next round was what was vital. It wasn’t pretty at times and we could do a lot better but winning is a habit and that’s a good place to start.”

Royals’ captain Chris Gunter - who was born in Newport -

echoed Cox’s sentiments and felt his side were worth the win.

He said: “These games are never quite the easiest and even though on paper you are expected to win they can be difficult because the opposition have got nothing to lose.

“Every set piece and throw in they were putting the ball in the box and it can become a battle, but I thought we stood up to it well.

“We would have liked to have got the second goal earlier but we’re through. The main thing was we have got our home season off to a good start.”

Gunter added he was impressed by his opponents and hoped they would find success this season.

He revealed: “It’s where my family still live so in that respect there’s a big link.

“It’s nice to see the place where you’re born doing well and performing.”

Meanwhile, Cox has warned his teammates that they must improve on the display if they are to beat Ipswich Town in the Skybet Championship on Saturday.

He said: “Ipswich started well with a decent win against Fulham and they’re going to be a good team again.

“Mick [McCarthy] knows what he’s doing and he’s got a good bunch of players who work hard for him. We need to be better but it’s a Championship game so it’s going to be different.”

Reading will aim to continue their encouraging start to the season when they host the Tractor Boys at the Madejski Stadium (3pm ko). Managerless Huddersfield Town are the visitors on Tuesday

evening (8pm).