Reading defender Tom Holmes admitted that he felt 'emotional' after being awarded the vice-captaincy of the club.

A Royals player from the age of eight, Holmes has gone on to make more than 70 appearances for the club- an almost ever-present over the last two seasons.

Signing a new three-year contract over the summer, manager Paul Ince decided on both the captaincy and vice-captaincy last month, deciding on defensive duo Andy Yiadom and Holmes.

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Speaking to the media after a pre-season defeat to Brighton, the 22-year-old spoke of the pride he feels in his new role.

"It was mentioned when I rang Paul Ince before signing," he explained. "It was attractive to me, less so about the vice-captaincy but more about the leadership role. I was delighted and a bit emotional as this club means so much to me. It’s just another step moving forward, I’ve had a lot of opportunities over the last two years, and I’ve developed on and off the pitch as a person so I’m grateful for everyone."

Now embarking on his third season as a key squad member, the Academy graduate is learning a new skill with Ince now favouring a three-at-the-back set-up.

Sitting on the right of a three, with Sam Hutchinson holding the middle and Tom McIntyre on the left, Holmes feels it is a good balance going forward.

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"I’ve loved every minute of it," he beamed. "It’s a real good balance of experience and youth alongside Hutch. There’s been consistency too which we may not have had over recent years, I think slowly we’re understanding roles. It’s still early days of the system but having a back five gives us a foundation to allow our creative players to express because going forward we have one of the best forward lines in the league. Everyone needs to stay fit, pull their weight and buy into it, which up to now we have."