DENISS Rakels is on course to become a bigger hit in England than Marians Pahars, writes Anthony Smith.

Royals fans have been comparing the 23-year-old striker to former club favourite, Adam Le Fondre.

But media in his Latvia homeland say Rakels is a carbon copy of ex-Southampton hitman, Pahars.

Pahars, who scored 43 goals in 137 Premier League games for the Saints between 1999 and 2006, is now coach of the Latvia national team, with Rakels a key member of his squad.

“In all the newspapers in Latvia our coaches say I am the same style of player as Marians Pahars,” explained Rakels.

“They interview Marians and he says I play now like he played when he was 23-years-old.

“I would be very happy if my career turns out to be as successful as his.

“My ambition is to play the highest level I can with Reading and possibly in the Premier League and the Champions League.”

He added: “When I was young I liked watching Ronaldo from Brazil. I also like Samuel Eto’o and Andriy Shevchenko. I watched those three a lot on television and youtube.”

Rakels netted his second goal in three games in the 1-1 draw at QPR last weekend and he is set to lead the line again this Saturday when Royals host Preston North End (3pm ko).

Reading supporters have already created a song in his honour, and Rakels says he is touched by the attention.

“I feel the fans like me which is very good,” he confessed. “Fans also like me in Poland and Latvia, but here it’s happened very quickly.

“I’ve only been a Reading player for three months and I can already see they love me.

“Now I just hope we can win some games so everything is good.”

Paul McShane and Danny Williams will both be available for Saturday’s clash after serving their three match bans for their bust-up at Middlesbrough.

Hal Robson-Kanu could also return to the squad after recovering from a calf problem, but Jordan Obita remains sidelined with a strained hamstring.

Listen to Reading fans singing the Deniss Rakels song at QPR last weekend.