Three forgotten Reading FC players with a point to prove

Most supporters across social media are calling for the Royals to announce new signings, but with the Euros in full swing and the fear of financial difficulty always looming, there are three players who could end up playing a bigger part in Berkshire this season.

Ben Waite takes a look at Reading’s ‘forgotten men’ who still have contracts with the club ahead of the 2021/22 Championship campaign.

Marc McNulty

The obvious place to start must be with Scottish striker Marc McNulty. The 28-year-old signed a four-year deal with Reading in July 2018 meaning he still has one year remaining on his current deal.

It could be a make-or-break season for McNulty after only making 15 appearances across his three years including six starts, scoring once while on Reading’s books so far.

This has included four separate loan spells including three SPFL spells. The striker went to Hibernian during the 2018/19 campaign after making his 15 appearances earlier that season for the Royals.

He then joined Sunderland before a return to Hibernian during the 2019/20 term. Last season, his time was spent again north of the border with Dundee United.

He did however receive his first Scottish call-up while out on loan debuting against Kazakhstan in 2019.

McNulty is traditionally not a lone striker, something that could hinder his chances with Paunovic’s one up front style.

Likely to be behind the picking of Lucas Joao and George Puscas, McNulty will need to prove himself during pre-season or look for another move away.

Felipe Araruna

The Brazilian utility player joined the Royals at the end of January 2020 and has struggled with injury since.

Araruna has only made five Championship appearances in his one and half seasons with Reading.

I’m sure some people will be shocked to know he’s already been with the Royals for that long…..

The 25-year-old has been seen by Reading fans at right back and had a promising debut from the bench back before the Covid pandemic struck.

Araruna is naturally a centre midfielder however but with Laurent, Rinomhota and Swift ahead of him as well as the emerging Dejan Tetek, this is a position Reading do not necessarily need cover for.

He could find his worth at full back though, with Andy Yiadom having the possibility to cover the vacant left-back spot.

Ethan Bristow

With fans expecting an arrival to cover that vacant left-back role after the departure of Omar Richards, it’s good to remember that the Royals have two promising young left backs within their academy ranks.

Of Imari Samuels and Ethan Bristow, the latter seems to have the edge on development at the moment. The 19-year-old defender appeared three times last season, playing the full 90 in both EFL

Cup ties and the FA Cup match against Luton Town. Bristow was also an unused substitute in the Championship on five occasions throughout the 2020/21 campaign.

The Royals activated an extension clause in Bristow’s contract at the end of the 2020/21 season showing that the club have the interest in utilising the 6ft 3’ defender. He can also cover at centre back if required. Could he be the next rising star from the successful academy set-up?

Next big thing?

As well as the players above, the Royals have a history of exciting talent making their way through the academy set-up. Could it be the year for another star to emerge?

As mentioned before Imari Samuels is a young left-back looking to push on.

After involvement in pre-season ahead of the 2020/21 season, the 18-year-old’s only first-team involvement was as an unused substitute in both the EFL Cup game with Colchester and the FA Cup tie with Luton Town.

Other youngsters who have made their full debuts during the past seasons include Mamadi Camara, Jeriell Dorsett, Lynford Sackey and Nelson Abbey who are all still contracted with the club.

Abbey returns from long-term injury and along with Dorsett offer further defensive cover while Azeez, Camara and Sackey offer an attacking threat from wide positions.

Goalkeeper Jokull Andresson has also returned to the Royals after a successful loan spell with Exeter City. The Icelander will be hoping to push Luke Southwood for the role of back-up ‘keeper while England youth international Coniah Boyce-Clarke will also look to put pressure on the aforementioned duo.

Young striker Nahum Melvin-Lambert will also be returning from a loan spell with St Patrick’s Athletic and could offer an alternative option up front.

Although not classed as an academy product after joining from Wealdstone, Femi Azeez has also proven himself with the Under 23 side which has led to the winger debuting for the first team and a string of substitute involvements over the last season.