JOHN Swift is enjoying a dream start to the season with Reading FC and England Under 21s.

The classy midfielder has notched four goals in 12 Royals appearances since joining from Chelsea in the summer.

And he also grabbed his first for the Under 21s on Tuesday with a cracking long-range strike in a 5-0 victory against Bosnia Herzegovina.

The 21-year-old spoke to local media today about his 'fresh' start with the Royals after spending last season on loan at Brentford, life under manager Jaap Stam and his international prospects.

Reading Chronicle: As an ex-Chelsea and Brentford player, are you looking forward to playing at Loftus Road this weekend?

John Swift: “I've played for two of their rivals now so I know what to expect especially going by the reception I got at Brentford with Reading the other day.

“I could hear what the fans were saying, but I didn't really take any notice, you just keep playing your own game.

“Sometimes it makes you feel lees confident, but for me being under that sort of pressure makes me more confident.

“It makes me want to go out there and show what I can do and prove them wrong.

“QPR is such a compact ground as well so it should be really loud. I'm really looking forward to it.

“Hopefully, the way we are playing should quieten the fans down a bit and hopefully we will get a win.”

RC: Both you, personally, and Reading FC are in great form going into Saturday's game.

JS: “It's not just me, it's all the boys. All of us are playing really well as a team.

“We're still adapting to way the manager wants us to play. We're still working on movements in midfield and up front, our centre-backs get on the ball quite a lot and we'll just keep working hard at it.”

RC: Players such as George Evans and Roy Beerens have said great things about the manager and how he has helped their careers. Is it the same for you?

JS: “The gaffer has been amazing. To come to a Championship club that wants to play his way is brilliant.

“If we go 1-0 down we don't want to change, we want to keep doing the right things and playing the right way from the back. It's good to see a manager have that confidence in his players.

“If you are going to get the best out of me I need to be on the ball to make passes, create chances and score goals, that's what I will be judged on.

“So the way the gaffer wants us to play is perfect for me and I can see why George says the same thing because he is a similar type of player.

“He also wants to get on the ball because he is such a good passer. So yes, the gaffer has been amazing.”

RC: Was signing for Reading this summer like a fresh start for you?

JS: “It definitely feels like starting afresh. When you are on loan it's a bit harder to get into the team and stay there. At the end of the day you are keeping the club's own players out.

“But last season doesn't really matter now because I will be judged from here on.

“To be honest when I signed for Reading I didn't really know how to take it, but at the moment I am doing really well and all the coaching staff have been great with me.”

RC: It looks like you have already won over the Reading fans after winning August and September Player of the Month awards.

JS: “They are behind us every game. When they back the team it gives us a lot of confidence.

“To win those two awards was unexpected but amazing.

“Hopefully I can keep playing well and keep on their good side.”

RC: You gained your 37th England cap at youth level on Tuesday. Your ambition must be to play for the senior side one day?

JS: “I think I've played at every age group up to Under 21s. You always want to jump up to the senior team, but that is a big step up and will only come based on how I perform for my club.

“I've just got to keep working hard with Reading and with England Under 21s in the European Championships next summer.

“It's going to be hard but that's the challenge.”


RC: It surely helps to know Gareth Southgate as he is now the temporary England manager and could be the permanent one soon?

JS: “It was great working with Gareth in the Under 21s. His assistant Steve Holland was at Chelsea so I know him quite well.

“I was buzzing when I found out they were in charge of the senior team because I know what great people they are. I think the first team players have taken to them really well.

“I have also played for Aidy Boothroyd [new U21s manager] for the Under 20s, so it's not a massive change, it never really is with England.

“But you've got to keep doing well to stay in the team and hopefully I can.”

RC: Everyone was shocked when Sam Allardyce left. Did you feel it in the Under 21s?

JS: “I didn't really pay that much attention. I was just concentrating on the Under 21s, the senior team is a different thing altogether.

“Hopefully it's in the future for me, but that will come based on what I do here at Reading.

“Obviously it meant Gareth moved up and I think he will do a very good job. Taking the England senior team is tough and I hope they bring lots of success.”