Reading FC manager Paul Ince believes he has strong striking options available to help bolster the team’s positive results.
With Lucas Joao, Yakou Meite, Andy Carroll and Shane Long already at his disposal, Ince is excited of adding young forward Femi Azeez to the mix.
After picking up a hamstring injury prior to the start ot the campaign, Azeez has been training with the squad and is nearing a return.
“Femi (Azeez) is absolutely flying in training. We’re governed by the medical team but when we started pre-season he was brilliant,” said Ince.
“I was thinking ‘wow this kid is ready’ and then he did his hamstring and was devastated to be out for two months.
“He’s trained for the last two or three weeks and is looking stronger and sharper. He will be a great addition for us.
“He was so excited about the start of the season but he’s back now and looking to be involved but it depends on when the physios say we can get him in.”
The strength of the forward options were on show against Bristol City as substitutes Shane Long and Andy Carroll made appearances off the bench and created the second goal which was prompted by Long’s tenacious work and finished by Carroll.
“It’s important and when we go back to the start of the season, we looked round, and no disrespect to the younger kids, but we couldn’t change it.
“Now we’ve got Andy Carroll and Shane (Long) and Femi (Azeez) coming back who is looking fantastic in training.
“Sometimes they don’t make an impact but when they do it looks good and Saturday was one of those situations.
“It’s about competition. With our defence we don’t have that competition but up top. I always look at the reactions of players in training and if they’re moping around I won’t have that but these guys don’t.
“People like Shane and Andy have played in the Premier League, we’re lucky to have them. They’re in their thirties now and want to playing as much as possible so they’re fighting for a place.”
