RYAN East has signed a new contract with Reading FC until 2021.

The 20-year-old – who becomes the 50th player from the Academy to play for the first team tonight – has been in excellent form for Scott Marshall’s Under 23s this season.

He was the only ever-present member of the U23s last season during their Premier League 2 campaign and also featured in the PL International Cup and the Checkatrade Trophy.

The central midfielder had carried that form into this season with 26 appearances under Marshall – the most by an Academy player.

East has made the first-team bench this season including the FA Cup tie against Manchester United at Old Trafford in January.

He was also an unused substitute on Saturday during Reading’s stunning comeback win against Wigan Athletic.