Reading boss Noel Hunt could not speak higher of defender Tyler Bindon following his match winner against Mansfield Town.

The New Zealand international has made nearly 80 appearances for the club since arriving in the summer of 2023 and has already captained the club as well as become a regular for his country.

In the final match of 2024, the 19-year-old scored a marvellous overhead kick to seal a 2-1 win for the Royals over Nigel Clough's Stags, ensuring the club head into 2025 in the play-off positions.

Perhaps an unlikely match-winner to some, central defenders not renowned for their goalscoring prowess, Hunt admitted he was not surprised by the 'special' talent.

"You might be surprised but I’m not surprised," Hunt said. "The kid is unbelievable. He doesn’t know how good he is or how good he is going to be. He is the loveliest boy, and his character is so delightful to work with.

"He is inquisitive, asks questions and wants to know how things work and details of where he should be at any time- they’re the people you want to work with, as they all are. He’s a special kid. When he first came in, he trained with me and I walked into the office and said, ‘if we don’t sign him, I might as well not be here.’ In the first session to now, he’s outstanding."

Finishing in the top three for Player of the Season last campaign, the youngster is likely to be among the contenders this time around too, should he see out the campaign in Berkshire.