Reading FC manager Noel Hunt has a selection dilemma on his hands ahead of a return to League One action later today.
The Royals have made a rocky start to their league campaign having lost back-to-back fixtures having been beaten by Lincoln City on the opening day before losing 2-0 at home to Huddersfield Town the following weekend.
However, there were signs of life on Tuesday night as the Royals produced a much improved performance in the Carabao Cup as they knocked out Championship side Portsmouth despite making nine changes to the starting eleven.
Among the players to impress on the night were full-backs Ahmed and John Ryan.
17-year-old full-back Ashqar Ahmed caught the eye of many fans during pre-season with his mature defensive performance up against Son Heung-min when Reading hosted Tottenham last month.
Many fans have called for the inclusion of Ahmed in the first-team for League One as Reading’s academy looks to have produced another bright talent for the future.
Reading have been no strangers to including teenage stars in the first-team, including Andre Garcia who made 38 appearances in League One last campaign.
Left-back John Ryan, 21, also made a positive impact on Tuesday night’s cup win and could have a shot at winning a place in the first-team.
Reading played much of last season without a recognised left-back, while they added full-back Matty Jacob on loan from Hull City for the season for this campaign.
The Royals will be looking to kickstart their season when they host AFC Wimbledon, who they will also face in the second round of the Carabao Cup.
