Pearce was spotted aged 12 playing for rivals Oxford United

Reading defender Alex Pearce is hopeful that more of the club's academy players will get first-team games this season.

Pearce and midfielder Jem Karacen both started against Crystal Palace last week and should start again at Ipswich.

The 19-year old told BBC Radio Berkshire: "We're all in the picture. We need to work hard, impress the manager and we'll get a chance.

"It's nice finally to get a place in the side. Every time I get called up I just want to do the best I can."

Manager Steve Coppell said bringing young players through gives him a great deal of pleasure: "Every manager would say it's the most lasting fulfilment.

Teams are chosen on merit rather than on seniority and if the young lads are getting results, they know they'll be staying in the team. Steve Coppell

"I look back at all the players I've seen develop, from young boys through to internationals, and you think, yes, that's an important part of the job - probably the most satisfying part of the job.

"With us being in the Championship, one of the positives of it is that the younger players know they've got an opportunity and they have a path to regular football in the first team if they produce.

"Teams are chosen on merit rather than on seniority and if the young lads are getting results, they know they'll be staying in the team.

"It creates more competition and creates a different atmosphere."

Pearce, who was spotted by Reading as a 12-year-old playing for local rivals Oxford United, backs up his manager's view.

"There definitely is a fresh atmosphere around the club at the moment due to the results we've been getting recently.

"After last week's result, everyone's in a positive mood and we're looking to carry that on."