Reading manager Ruben Selles praised defender Louie Holzman after the youngster made his league bow in Tuesday's 2-2 draw at Barnsley.

Sam Smith netted a quickfire brace in the second half to overturn Davis Keillor-Dunn's early goal in the first half, but Josh Earl's strike pegged the Royals back and ensured a sixth successive draw between the two sides at Oakwell.

Only one change was made from Saturday's 2-1 win at Peterborough United, 21-year-old Holzman given the nod for the injured Amadou Mbengue.

Holzman, who has Reading Football Club running through his blood with two uncles and a grandfather play for the club in the past, first made his debut back in 2021 and the infamous FA Cup exit to Kidderminster Harriers.

However, his cup minutes had failed to transfer to league action, until last night.

Assessing Holzman's performance, Selles said: "That is exactly why we chose to play him [lots of balls into the box]. We had a choice- Abraham [Kanu] has been working really good- but we knew that the game against Peterborough would suit his characteristics as a player.

"Today, we wanted a couple of things from Louie. Firstly, the way he can defend the long balls and duals in the air, and that is what he did. Secondly, to try and protect ? in some of the second actions and trying to have Tyler [Bindon] in the position where we can play more centrally from the left-hand side. I think it worked.

"I trust the players and they trust the work we have done with them. No doubt when we have a player like him on the pitch he will respond."

Mbengue, who was not only injured but also suspended after picking up five yellow cards, is expected to return in time for next Tuesday's League One meeting with Cambridge United.

The Royals host non-league Harborough Town on Sunday in the FA Cup second round.