Reading coach Kevin Dillon believes the Royals young defender Alex Pearce is a future captain of the Championship outfit.The 19-year-old played his first full 90 minutes for the club in last week's Carling Cup win over Dagenham and has appeared on the bench in the last two league games.

Dillon says relegation from the Premier League has hastened the rise of youngsters at the club.

"You look at Pearcey, he's an outstanding character," Dillon told the club's official website.

"When he gets in, he will end up playing many games for this club. He is a great lad, a leader of men. A future captain? Yes, I believe so.

"The kids are really starting to come through. We have to be honest, relegation has helped with that."

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