Reading manager Paul Ince admitted he was torn over who to give the vice-captaincy to, with Tom McIntyre and Tom Holmes the two standout candidates.

22-year-old Holmes was given the title, signing a new three-year deal over the summer after making 75 appearances across two strong campaigns.

The pair, both Academy graduates from the town, were dubbed 'inspirational' by the former England captain.

Speaking to the media after a defeat to Brighton in pre-season, Ince commented: "It could’ve been Tom Holmes or Tom McIntyre because I wanted someone who belonged to the club and knows it inside out. Since I’ve been here, they’ve been inspirational, and they’ve grown up really quickly. They will grow into that leadership, and they’ll show that in their performances."

Another who came in for plenty of praise was forward Yakou Meite.

A fan favourite since his arrival in 2016, 'the Yak' has scored three in his last three appearances after battling back from an injury which kept him out for almost all of last season.

"I was pleased with Yak," Ince added. "He put a real shift in today and he looks a different person with a brilliant pre-season behind him. To see him running the way he was today was great."