JOSH Barrett is determined to lay down a marker for next season when Reading FC end their Championship campaign with a trip to Blackburn Rovers this Saturday (12.30pm ko).

The 17-year-old midfielder produced an eye-catching display on his home debut last weekend when he came on for the second half of the 2-1 defeat by Preston.

It was only Barrett’s second first-team appearance after a previous cameo role in a 3-1 loss at Huddersfield Town back in March when manager Brian McDermott rested a number of players in preparation for the FA Cup quarter final against Crystal Palace.

The cultured academy teenager did not look out of his depth against Preston and showed some impressive touches on the ball.

And he hopes to make another big impression at Ewood Park this weekend, if given the chance.

“It was really nice to get on the pitch and have a few touches,” said the Oxford-born youngster. “It was a massive day for me.

“I’m originally from Oxford but I moved to Reading when I was 14 and I’ve been with the club since I was six-years-old.

“So it’s massive to go out there and play in front of your own fans. They have been great to me and all the team which helps us a lot.

“I turn 18 in June and all I want is to play football for Reading and keep impressing the manager.”

He added: “I know what I’m capable of so it’s more about making sure that first pass is a good one, keeping the ball well and keeping things ticking over. Luckily I had some early touches which gave me a lot of confidence.

“Hopefully next game I can show the fans, manager and all the backroom staff more of what I can do.”

McDermott will have his work cut out this summer as he reshapes his squad with limited financial resources and six loan players leaving the Madejski Stadium.

However, the departures of Ola John, Alex Fernandez, Lucas Piazon and Matej Vydra back to their parent clubs could see Barrett given more opportunities in the near future.

“Hopefully I will get my chance at the start of next season,” he declared.

“I’ll have to work hard in pre-season and make sure I am ready to come back.

“I can play out wide, in the middle or as a number 10, but I’ll be happy to play anywhere to be honest.

“I’ve scored a few goals for the youth teams so I also have that in my locker.”

Barrett won the Maurice Evans Memorial Trophy recently which is awarded to the club’s top scholar each year.

As well as making his first-team breakthrough this season, Barrett also won his first cap for Republic of Ireland Under 21s.

But he admits he still has plenty to learn in the game as he adjusts to senior football.

“It’s a different level,” he confessed. “You’ve got to be so switched on. Sometimes you get away with things in the Under 21s and Under 18s, but not in the first team.

“For me it’s about trying to learn so that when I get a chance it comes naturally to me.

“I still need to work on the defensive side of the game, but I also feel that when I get the ball I can make something happen and excite the crowd.

“I want to see the crowd get excited. For a young lad, to see people getting out of their seat is exciting for me too. That is my job.”