Reading legend Steve Sidwell turns 40 today.

The midfield favourite, who spent four years marshalling the middle of the park, was an ever-present in the early 2000s as the Royals went from Championship newbies to knocking on the door of European football.

Here are four of his best moments in 168 appearances.

1. First goals

Joining in January 2003, the 21-year-old was on the losing end in a debut defeat to Leicester City, but he made sure it was a winning start on the road.

Opening the scoring before half-time against Burnley, racing clear of the defence and slotting the ball under the onrushing keeper, he also scored the fourth in a 5-2 rout at Turf Moor.

He finished his first campaign with two goals in 15 appearances as the Royals lost in the play-offs to Paul Ince's Wolves.

2. August 2003

A disappointing campaign compared to the previous, Reading finished ninth in the Championship.

However, it marked Sidwell's best  individual season to date, popping up with nine goals.

He notched a third of these in three matches, scoring in each of them.

A good omen, the Royals didn't lose a game that the future Chelsea midfielder would score in during 2003/04.

3. Recognition

After 18 months of going about his business in Berkshire, 2004/05 was the season that the country sat up and took notice.

Only scoring five in that season, Reading moved up to finish seventh but Sidwell was voted the 'best player outside the Premier League' and was named in the PFA Team of the Year.

Everyone knows what happened the following campaign, Sidwell netting 10 times and again being named in the PFA Team of the Year as Reading romped to Premier League promotion.

4. Premier Sidwell

Despite contract discussions continuing in the background, Sidwell was a vital figure as the Royals surprised everyone to finish eigth in the Premier League.

From the opening day strike against Middlesbrough to the double against future club Aston Villa, Sidwell had the country talking about him as he entered the final year ofn his deal.

Remaining in the top-flight for the next decade, it is safe to say that he impressed after his 187 matches for the Royals.