Reading defender Harlee Dean admitted that he felt like 'a glorified cheerleader' as he went 14 months without a league start.

The 33-year-old was signed in the summer of 2023 but failed to make a start in League One after October, one of a few experienced professionals dropped under Ruben Selles in favour of a younger squad.

Still regularly featuring in cup matches and off the bench, Dean's first start in over a year came on New Year's Day as the former Brentford and Birmingham City captain replaced an ill Amadou Mbengue less than an hour before kick-off.

Earning plenty of plaudits from supporters, Dean put in a Man of the Match display in Saturday's 0-0 draw at Charlton Athletic as the defender started consecutive league matches under new boss Noel Hunt.

Speaking to the media after his standout showing, in which he prevented a goal on the line, Dean commented: "I luckily got my chance against Cambridge because Amadou was ill and that’s how football works- you don’t get what you deserve at times. You have to be ready, and I think I stepped in against Cambridge and did well. I was happy it was my shirt to lose after that because previously I think I’d have been put back out and on the sidelines.

"I’m here to play football, especially with the group and I add a lot to the group. I don’t want to be a glorified cheerleader and that’s what it felt like I had been for a little while. It’s been difficult and I’ve only played [started] two league games in 14 months so there’s plenty to go still and it’s down to me to perform."

This came after skipper Lewis Wing spoke glowingly of the former Championship stalwart at Cambridge, admitting he was surprised Dean had so few minutes of action for the club.

Now with a week off, the Royals return to action on Saturday as Championship promotion contenders visit in the FA Cup.