Reading defender Matty Carson has joined League Two Grimsby Town after his contract in Berkshire was not renewed.

The 21-year-old moved to the SCL Stadium last summer and was a regular for Noel Hunt's Under-21s, but made a name for himself as an attacking full-back in the first-team set-up.

Making 11 appearances for Ruben Selles' squad in League One and cup fixtures, the defender scored a stunning free-kick in his final outing as a Royal in the dramatic PL2 play-off semi-final defeat to Sunderland.

Formerly of Burnley and Liverpool as a youngster, he now links up with David Artell at Grimsby on a two-year contract.

 “I’m really excited to work with him," Artell told the club website. "He’s got some unbelievable attributes, especially in an attacking sense.”

“He’s got a real growth mindset on a young set of shoulders which is fantastic.

“I spoke to the Reading manager about him, and he said he’s a terrific guy, which is really important as well.”

Carson himself added: “I’m buzzing and I’m really looking forward to getting started.”

“I spoke to the manager about his ambitions for the club, and seeing the fans and their support last season, it’s a massive club to be at and I’m really looking forward to getting in front of them.

“I like to get forward, put in crosses and get shots off. If a free-kick comes up I’m definitely first up there, so hopefully I can score a few this season.”