Reading favourite Amadou Mbengue will spend the next month-and-a-half walking a tightrope as one more yellow card would signal suspension.

The 23-year-old defender is loved by supporters for his heart-on-sleeve style and unpredictable nature, however, this has not served the Senegalese youngster particularly well when it comes to the referee's attentions.

Starting every league match to date, joint with Lewis Wing for most minutes (990) Mbengue has accumulated four yellow cards.

The most recent one, coming on Tuesday in the Royals' 2-1 win over Exeter City, was for time-wasting after taking his time ahead of a trademark long throw.

As per EFL rules, any player will pick up a one-match suspension if they accumulate five yellow cards before matchday 19, which looks set to be at home to Cambridge United on December 3.

This extends to a two-game suspension if 10 yellow cards are picked up before matchday 37 and three matches missed if 15 yellow cards are awarded by the end of the season.

Sam Smith, who loves nothing more than engaging in a physical battle with opposing defenders, has three yellow cards and Ben Elliott has two.

Mbengue's defensive partner, Tyler Bindon, is among seven regulars yet to go in the referee's book.