YAKOU Meite's early brace proved in vain as Reading FC crashed out of the Premier League International Cup after a 3-2 defeat to Bilbao.

The 20-year-old French striker scored twice within the opening six minutes to get Royals off to a dream start at Adams Park last night.

But the hosts failed to hold onto their lead as a fierce comeback from the Basques saw Reading exit the competition with one game still remaining in the group stages.

The night began so well for Martin Kuhl's Under 23 side as Omar Richards and Andrija Novakovich went close before Meite netted three minutes in.

Royals forced Bilbao to cough up possession and the former Paris Saint-Germain forward slotted home smartly for a 1-0 lead.

Then two minutes later Meite added a second when he controlled a Zak Jules pass and drilled a first-time effort past visiting keeper Unai Etxeberria from the edge of the box.

The visitors responded when Inigo Cordoba tested Royals stopper Luke Southwood before Josh Barrett's effort asked questions of Etxeberria at the other end.

However, Bilbao blew a golden chance to pull one back in the 15th minute when Andy Rinomhota tripped Cordoba in the box, only for Southwood to save the same player's spot-kick.

Chances continued to come thick and fast, Royals centre-back Jake Cooper volleying against the woodwork, Sandro Wieser curling one just wide of the post and Meite narrowly missing the target from close range as he searched for a hat-trick goal.

But Bilbao pulled an all-important goal back just before in the interval when a corner hit a home defender and diverted past Southwood.

It lifted the visitors, who forced a number of saves out of Southwood before scoring twice in quick succession to turn the game on its head.

They drew level through their skipper Unai Bilbao then took the lead for the first time when Asier Villalibre's deflected strike gave Southwood no chance.

Royals almost make it 3-3 in the closing stages, but Barrett's effort crashed against the woodwork.

It was a disappointing way for Reading to exit the competition with one match still to play against Hertha Berlin at home.

But Meite's performance in the opening 45 minutes will be a huge boost to Royals boss Jaap Stam, who will be without the services of injured striker Yann Kermorgant for a number of weeks.

Meite is certain to be named in Stam's squad for Saturday's Championship clash against Bristol City at Madejski Stadium (3pm ko).

Royals have won their last four league fixtures without conceding a goal, easing to a 3-0 victory against Burton Albion last time out.

The Robins have sold more than 3,000 tickets for Saturday's game which could push the attendance to around the 18,000 mark.

Reading U23: Southwood, Watson, Jules, Cooper, Gravenberch (Keown 19), Wieser (Frost 46), Rinomhota, Richards, Barrett, Meite (Mendes 46), Novakovich. Subs not used: Tupper, Sheppard, Andresson, East.

Athletic Bilbao B: Etxeberria, Sillero, Lopez, Bilbao, Undabarrena, Gurzeta, Iturraspe, Villalibre (Morcillo 83), Salado, Cordoba. Subs not used: Oleaga, Bernaola, Cortazar, Zarraga, Hernandez.