Young Irish central defender Gerard Nash was pleased to get through his first Academy game since his cruciate ligament operation. Nash played the full 90 minutes on Saturday as the youngsters drew 1-1 with Reading.

Nash, who made his senior debut in the 6-1 win against Burnley last season, told the club site: "It went really well and I've had no reaction at all.

"It was a physical game and I took a few knocks on the knee but came through without any problems and that's very encouraging.

"I've trained fully for a while now but I need matches to gain confidence with the knee because in games you don't hold back, while in training you know players aren't going to go in 100%.

"It's all about getting matches under my belt now, gaining full fitness and then hopefully moving forward and pushing for a place in the first team squad."

Photo: Action Images

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