Reading boss Paul Ince is calling on 'talented' Ovie Ejaria to show his quality on the pitch after dropping him for 'disciplinary' reasons.

The former Liverpool and Rangers man was not allowed on the mid-season trip to Tenerife and was dropped for last weekend's 1-0 win over Coventry City, and now finds himself injured.

Without a goal in over a year, the 25-year-old has failed to capture form of the past, which had made him a fan favourite in Berkshire.

Speaking before the trip to Birmingham City on Friday, Ince was asked about the one-time England Under-21 star.

"We know he’s got loads of ability, but it’s about producing it on the pitch," he started. "He’s a very talented player, but I’ve seen a lot of talented players fall by the wayside. With Ovie, last year we played him on the left-hand side, and I think he was very good for us, but the last game of the season he played as a 10 and it’s probably the best I’ve seen him play for me.

"He’s got it there; it’s just doing it on a consistent basis. This year has been up and down with injuries. He’s one who needs to play in a specific position week in and week out, and we’ve not had the luxury to do that yet. Players like that, you don’t want them to drift out of the game, you want them to show the world what they can do.

"I can see the talent that he’s got, he’s a very good trainer. If you can work hard and use the talent you’ve got, you’ve got a player."

Ejaria has featured eight times this season, contributing one assist, but is yet to complete a full 90 minutes.