Reading defender Tyler Bindon has returned to Berkshire ready for another tough League One season after an 'intense' summer of international football.
The 19-year-old central defender enjoyed a breakout campaign last time out, racking up nearly 50 appearances for the Royals in his debut campaign and finishing in the top three for the Player of the Season vote.
With little to no rest, the teenager flew out with New Zealand to win the Oceanic Cup without conceding a goal.
As if one international tournament wasn't enough for one summer, the former LAFC man had the honour of playing in all three matches for New Zealand at the Olympic Games, including a tie against host nation France.
Disappointed to be going home but proud to have got our second ever win at the Olympics this campaign. #Paris2024 has been great, roll on 2028. pic.twitter.com/VRrrWUwdVv
— New Zealand Football 🇳🇿 (@NZ_Football) July 31, 2024
Winning one of their three group games, New Zealand exited at the group stage and Bindon has now returned to his club.
At the SCL Stadium for Saturday's 2-0 win over Hull City, the defender was rested but could return to action next weekend as Reading get their League One campaign underway at title favourites Birmingham City.
"We gave him an extra day off, so he missed this game, but it was important after the intense period at the Olympics and even before in the Oceanic Cup with his national team," boss Ruben Selles said on Saturday.
"It has been a busy summer for him, but we thought the experience of both tournaments gave him a different challenge. It’s been really good to see him in the Olympics against France, where his performance was exceptional. He was with us during the warm-up, and we are looking forward to having him back at training on Monday and helping us for the rest of the season."
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