Reading forward Jayden Wareham is ready to 'show the fans who I am' in the wake of Sam Smith's departure.

Smith, 26, made a £2m move to Wrexham on Friday and leaves a void up front, having hit 27 goals in 63 appearances since returning in 2023.

The only other recognised number nine is 21-year-old Wareham, who started only his third League One match of the season in his place during Saturday's 1-0 win over Bolton Wanderers.

Just like the supporters, Wareham was disappointed to see his teammate depart, but will use it as an opportunity.

"The transfer window is quite a big thing for the club and football in general," he said ahead of Saturday's trip to Huddersfield Town. "For me, I am sitting patiently hoping to get a chance. I obviously saw the news, a big loss and a big personality in the group, with Sam. For me, there was healthy competition. On a personal note, I’m happy that hopefully I get my chance now to show, not just the gaffer, what I’m about. It’s an exciting time for me to kick on and get going now.

"I was a bit gutted because Sam was such a big personality and a great player for us, scoring a lot of goals. The fans and everyone at the club love him, he’s a great guy. Then I thought that hopefully I get my chance, because it was not guaranteed that I was going to play. It’s an opening for me to get minutes and game time so I was excited."

With nearly 40, mainly cameo, appearances since arriving from Chelsea Under-21s, the forward is prolific with the youth set-up but is still only on one league goal, coming in a win over Exeter City back in October.

However, the former Woking forward is ready to change that.

"I’ve got big shoes to fill with Sam leaving and I just want to show the fans who Jayden Wareham is. I know I’m young and I have a lot to learn- I’m learning every day- but I know what I’m capable of. I can score goals and once I get one, the sort of player I am they will start rolling in. I’m confident, so that is all that matters right now."