YAKOU Meite says he is ready to take the Championship by storm after notching his first Reading FC goal of the season.

The 22-year-old Frenchman has made a big impression since returning to Royals after spending last season on loan with Ligue 2 outfit Sochaux.

Meite capped a man-of-the-match performance in the 2-0 Carabao Cup win over Birmingham City on Tuesday with a sensational opening goal before being forced off with a rib injury late on.

And the former Paris St Germain youngster insists there is more to come.

He beamed: ““For the moment I just want to play and I want to play a lot.

“I like to score but we will have to see. I can play as a winger or a striker, but all that matters is being on the pitch and I will always do my best for the club.

“My loan was good because I played a lot in France. Now I think I am ready to play in the Championship.

“My game was good on Tuesday, but it’s just one game and I need to keep on going and work hard.

“The manager spoke to me and told me I will play and that I will get my chance. Now I need to work hard for the team and to repay the coach.

“The fans like players who give their best all the time and I am that type of player.”

Reading Chronicle:

Yakou Meite wheels away in celebration after netting in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night.

Tuesday’s victory was Reading’s first since returning for pre-season, and Meite hopes they can carry that momentum into Saturday’s Championship fixture against Bolton Wanderers (3pm ko).

“We hadn’t won a pre-season game or in the league until then so we’re happy. It’s good but we have to stay focussed on the Bolton game this weekend.

“We played like we played in the two league games when we were unlucky. We played well but didn’t win. But on Tuesday we played well and won so we’re happy.”


Reading were a real threat against the Blues for the majority of the cup tie, with summer signings Sam Baldock and Marc McNulty prominent.

And Meite admitted: “They haven’t been with us that long so we need to work hard in training to try and build up an understanding.

“We don’t know each other that well so we need to work hard.”

Meite now faces a late fitness test before Saturday’s home game against Bolton after picking up a rib injury on Tuesday.

“I’m happy but feel bad about my injury,” he added. “I hope it’s not too serious.

“It’s my ribs. I need to rest now and see about playing on Saturday.”