GEORGE Evans has thanked Jaap Stam for re-launching his career.

Evans joined Royals in a seven-figure deal in January after failing to break into the Manchester City first-team.

But his first few months in Berkshire were frustrating as he played only six Championship games during the remainder of the 2015/16 season.

However, a change of manager that saw Stam replace Brian McDermott in June has helped Evans’ cause.

The 21-year-old has gone on to establish himself as a regular in Stam’s side and he admits he is loving the opportunity to work under the former Manchester United defender.

He told the Reading Chronicle: “It was a big pre-season for me. I had the first couple of months to settle in.

“I didn’t have much game-time last season but I knew I had to keep working hard.

“I really knuckled down over the summer and took it really seriously so I was as fit as possible.

“I came back firing on all cylinders and I wanted to work hard every day for the gaffer.

“His philosophy and way of playing really suits my style and working with someone like Jaap is fantastic for a young player like me because you are learning from the best.

“I have progressed massively in the short time he has been here and I’m delighted that I’m getting a chance.

“I just want to keep repaying him on the pitch, keep working hard and keep improving under him.”

Evans already has 14 league and cup appearances under his belt this season.

The former England Under 19 also scored his first Royals goal in the last fixture before the international break with a late equaliser against Derby County.

And Evans, who is under contract until 2019, added: “The manager and coaching staff here are fantastic.

“They have different ways of playing at different times and the attention to detail is excellent.

“Everyone is learning a great deal from what the gaffer teaches us.

“We’ve all bought into it and we’re all working extremely hard.

“We’re getting some good results on the pitch and we’re playing some good stuff.”

Evans has played in a variety of positions under Stam, and he says he is happy to fill in where required.

“Personally, I don’t mind where I play, whether it’s centre-back, a holding midfielder or further forward,” he said. “I will do whatever I can to help the team out.

“I think I’m quite versatile. If the manager wants me to push forward to add more energy then that’s fine.

“I want to add more goals to my game and I definitely think I can do that.

“But I’m also happy to play a holding role where you get on the ball and keep things ticking.

“If I can also pop up with the odd goal I will be delighted.”

Reading are back in Championship action this Saturday when they face QPR in a hoops derby at Loftus Road (3pm ko).