Experienced defender Harlee Dean expressed his pride at winning a place back in the Reading FC first-team with back-to-back performances.
The 33–year-old who joined from Birmingham City on a free transfer in 2023 has managed just 24 appearances, mostly off the bench.
However, he has impressed with his last two displays with wins over Cambridge United and an away draw at Charlton.
Speaking to the club’s official media, he said: “It was a battling display from all the lads. We played two full-backs in attacking positions because of injuries, it wasn’t a game to play football and we couldn’t put our stamp on it but we stood up to the test.
“We deserve a clean sheet and it was a good point away from home.
“It’s been a long time since I had played, I got in through luck with Amadou (Mbengue) being ill and I was hoping I had a performance that warranted keeping the shirt.
“Thankfully the manager and staff gave me that opportunity and it was down to me to perform, that’s all you can ask for as a footballer if you perform that you keep the shirt.”
Dean admitted that he has not got the minutes he has expected since joining the Royals but is pleased with the faith shown in him by manager Noel Hunt since he was appointed to take over from Ruben Selles.
He continued: “I’ve played nowhere near as much as I wanted to, but you’ve got to stay true to yourself. I train well, I’m a good person around the place and a big believer in what you put out there is what you get back so it’s down to me to keep performing and get results.
“The squad is thin, we’ve got injuries and a lot of young players. But this squad is fearless.”
