Reading boss Noel Hunt has revealed that forward Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan sees himself more as a winger than a striker as the search for a Sam Smith replacement continues.

The Royals lost Smith in a £2m move to Wrexham last month, a big blow to the forward department as it leaves young Jayden Wareham as only recognised striker in the squad.

21-year-old Ehibhatiomhan, who plays as a number nine regularly, is still working his way back to full fitness with a series of cameo displays.

Hunt, who managed the forward for the Under-21s, brought him on for the final 30 minutes during Saturday's 0-0 draw at Huddersfield Town.

"There’s no two ways about it; we have what we have in the centre forward area," Hunt explained. "Jayden has done great for us, and he worked his socks off for 60 minutes. We felt he was starting to tire and to get fresh legs on to stretch the game- we needed to keep stretching them because they’re trying to put pressure on- Kelvin came on and it’s not his preferred position, he likes to be on the left, but he dug in for the team, did a job and I thought he did great."

Despite his knack for goal-scoring, scoring twice in the first two matches of the season and hitting the net 12 times last season, Hunt has claimed that Ehibhatiomhan sees himself as more of a winger than a central striker.

"He sees himself as a winger. I see him as a winger and a nine. I had him as a nine two years ago and he scored 18/19 goals. He has all the attributes to be whatever he wants to be. He’s a great kid and he’s working hard to get his fitness back. He was out a long time and it’s another 30 minutes under the belt."

Reading host Shrewsbury Town and Rotherham United this week as they continue to push for the play-offs heading into the final few months of the season.