Reading star Lewis Wing believes the makeup of the squad has contributed to the ease with which they have been able to dismiss off-field stresses at the club to pick up results on the pitch.

Wing- last season's Player of the Year- has captained the side for the last six months in the absence of Andy Yiadom and has continued to impress.

However, at 29 he is one of the more experienced heads in the team as he shares the midfield with 21-year-old duo Ben Elliott and Charlie Savage.

Tyler Bindon, Amadou Mbengue, Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan, Michael Craig and Jeriel Dorsett are all regular starters and under 23, while this season almost all of the substitutes have been Academy stars.

For many, this would prove troublesome due to a lack of experience but in Reading's case, it has helped- especially with the upheaval caused by a year-long battle with owner Dai Yongge to sell the club.

"If we had a proper experienced dressing room, then things could have gotten a bit sour but because we’re quite young and fresh- it doesn’t seem as bad," Wing told the media last week.  "We are just letting our football do the talking, which is really good for the team and us as a club. What will be, will be.

"I don’t think they [younger players] really understand how serious it has been for us as players and the fans and everyone around the club. It’s a blessing really but hopefully, it gets sorted soon."

(Image: ©Jason Dawson)

Now entering a third month of a protracted takeover by American Rob Couhig, a deal had been expected to be announced by now but snags continue to appear.

The 75-year-old has been in the town regularly since the season began, including at the time of this article going to press.

The Royals don't return to League One action until Saturday, September 14 due to international call ups.