Reading get their EFL Trophy campaign off and running tomorrow as West Ham United Under-21s visit Berkshire in the first group game.

Last season, the Royals were the best-performing team at the first stage, scoring 19 in three matches, including a historic 9-0 win at Exeter City.

Beating Charlton Athletic on penalties in round two, the Royals exited at the last 16 stage after a shootout defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion.

Using the competition as a good chance to blood youngsters, boss Ruben Selles has already confirmed that changes will be made from Saturday's 2-0 win over Wigan Athletic.

Take a look at three Academy players who should be in line to start against the Young Hammers on Tuesday.

(Image: ©Jason Dawson)

Abraham Kanu

A standout performer during pre-season, the 19-year-old endured a tough debut at Colchester United last week, substituted after 34 minutes after nearly being sent off.

Powerful and strong in showings against Queens Park Rangers and Hull City, the defender will want to put his debut behind him as quickly as possible and prove to Selles and the supporters that he can become an important player in the coming years.

An EFL Trophy home match against a youth side is the perfect opportunity to blow away the cobwebs and move forward.

(Image: ©Jason Dawson)

Adrian Akande

Another who impressed for the youth sides last year, Akande was a star for Noel Hunt's Under-21s side that qualified for Europe and almost reached a historic PL2 final.

Given his full debut at Colchester last week, the winger could push the likes of Mamadi Camara, Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan and Femi Azeez in the wide positions should he be given chances to impress.

A tricky and pacy winger, a profile which the Royals squad could do with depth in, Akande could have a chance to take his opportunity with both hands.

(Image: ©Jason Dawson)

Emmanuel Osho

Brother of fellow Academy graduate Gabe, Osho was one of four who made his Royals debut in Essex last week.

With Kelvin Abrefa and Jeriel Dorsett still working their way back to full fitness at full-back, and midfielder Michael Craig covering at right-back, the opportunities to impress Selles will be drying up in the coming weeks.

However, with the boss regularly rotating in the EFL Trophy, Osho is likely to get his chance to impress during the competition and push for a place at full-back.