Reading boss Ruben Selles hailed star striker Sam Smith as 'remarkable' during Tuesday's 2-2 draw with Barnsley, admitting he 'saw something different.'

The 26-year-old graduated through the Academy but spent two years at Cambridge United, scoring over 30 goals, before returning last summer.

Netting 16 goals last season upon his return, the Mancunian is already over halfway to that figure already, his brace at Oakwell goal number six and seven of an injury-hit campaign to date.

However, Selles noted it was not only his goal-scoring that impressed him in South Yorkshire in midweek.

"In terms of performance, he was powerful. His mindset and leadership on the pitch was remarkable and I saw something new from him to make a step forward. I hope he can stay there and have more of those performances as a team leader."

Smith is likely to be rested on Sunday as non-league Harborough Town visit Berkshire in the FA Cup second round, however his former club Cambridge visit the SCL Stadium on Tuesday in a return to League One.

Next Saturday, the Royals visit league leaders Wycombe Wanderers- a ground where Smith netted last season in a 2-1 victory, the club's first away win for 378 days.