READING FC starlet Omar Richards has penned a new deal at Madejski Stadium.

The 19-year-old full back is the latest Royals Academy product to agree fresh terms and follows the footsteps of Liam Kelly.

Richards came to the club as a 16-year-old after being released from the Fulham Academy, and impressed in the under-23 team last season, with 22 appearances and one goal. 

The youngster has now inked a new deal until the summer of 2021, and manager Jaap Stam has indicated he could make more first team appearances this season.

Stam said: “Omar is a left-back with a lot of quality on the ball, pace and real drive going forward – and those are attributes which every team in football is looking for in a player.

“Of course he still needs to learn and improve, he knows that. But he’s already showing what he can do and is knocking on the door of the first team. That is a very good sign and we’re very happy we have him in our squad.”

Technical director Brian Tevreden, added:  “Omar has impressed everyone this season, stepping up from the Under-23s set-up to break into the first team squad on seven separate occasions so far in 2017-18, so this contract is just reward for the maturity he has shown and the progress he is making as a Reading player.”

Reading picked up their first win in four Championship matches with a 3-0 home victory over Barnsley on Tuesday.

Jaap Stam's men face a long trip to Chris Coleman's Sunderland this Saturday (3pm ko).