Rewarding Reading teen with captaincy 'the right thing to do' says Ruben Selles

Reading boss Ruben Selles has praised defender Tyler Bindon's character and mentality after giving the teenager the captaincy for Saturday's win over Fleetwood Town.

The 19-year-old was the only defender remaining in the team for the FA Cup victory from last Tuesday's League One win over Stockport County, one of only a handful of players starting both fixtures.

Only a teenager, the centre-back has racked up over 60 appearances for the Royals first team and is now a regular international for New Zealand.

In a year of milestones for the fan favourite, with Bindon finishing in the top three for Player of the Season last year too, Bindon was given the armband for the first time on Saturday.

He capped this off by scoring the opening goal in a 2-0 victory before being rested for the final 20 minutes.

Speaking on his decision to make Bindon the skipper, despite many more experienced players starting alongside him, Selles picked out his 'winner's mentality.'

"Tyler is a very important player and has been growing in the last 18 months," Selles said. "For me, it was the correct thing to do. He is mature enough and his character and mentality as a winner makes him always want to be in front of the team. It was a good opportunity to give him the little reward."

Reading will remain much-changed on Tuesday as Cheltenham Town host the Royals in the EFL Trophy before League One action returns on Saturday at Stevenage.