The 22-year-old was a season ticket holder at Madejski Stadium as a young boy and joined the Academy aged eight.

Now the former St. Francis School pupil looks set to play a major role in Nigel Adkins’ team in the Championship next season after signing a contract for another two years, with the option of a third.

Local boy Taylor told the News: “My dad and I had season tickets so we used to watch Reading all the time.

“I can remember as far back as the Alan Pardew days and it’s fair to say Reading have come a long way since then.

“It’s just surreal to be playing for the club I used to watch and support.

“I’ve signed for at least another couple of years now and I want to be playing first team football in that period.

“I will look after myself this summer and come back strong for pre-season. I will hopefully have a chance.” Taylor made a handful of first-team appearances last season and impressed in the final few games, setting up a crucial goal for Pavel Pogrebnyak in a vital win at Doncaster Rovers.

The ex-Wales Under 21 international added: “It was great to be involved with the first team towards the end of the season. It was a big time for the club and from a personal point of view I didn’t want the season to end.

“I was playing more games and doing well. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be in terms of promotion but I believe we will come back strong for the start of next season.”