READING FC youngster Andy Rinomhota has signed a new long-term contract with the club.

The 20-year-old midfielder put pen to paper on a three-and-a-half year deal today which keeps him at Madejski Stadium until summer 2021.

He follows in the footsteps of fellow Academy graduate, Omar Richards, who was also handed a new contract last week.

Royals boss Jaap Stam said: “From the start of the season when he joined us in Holland for pre-season and became part of the first team squad, Andy has made a very good impression.

"He’s a box-to-box midfield player with a lot of quality and ability as an individual, but he also brings a lot of energy to the team and any game he plays in.

"I’m delighted we have been able to offer another one of our promising Academy graduates a long-term deal at the club.”

Rinomhota joined our Academy ranks from AFC Portchester as an 18-year-old in 2015, signing an initial two-year deal at Madejski Stadium.

He initially showed plenty of promise in the Under 18s and Under 21s then made a big impression with the Under 23s last season when he missed just one game, making 39 appearances in all and scoring three goals.

Bracknell News:

Andy Rinomhota with Royals chief executive, Ron Gourlay.

He forced his way into Stam's first team squad for the clash at QPR in the opening day of the Championship season, played the full 90 minutes in a Carabao Cup first-round win over Gillingham and also started in a victory against Millwall in the second round.

The Leeds-born midfielder has been recovering from a recent hamstring injury but is expected to make his return within a matter of weeks.

Royals chief executive Ron Gourlay said: “Andy is another promising young player we believe in. In the glimpses our supporters have had of him in first team action this season, he has certainly impressed and warranted his inclusion on the manager’s teamsheet.

"He is hungry to improve, achieve and succeed as a Reading Football Club player.”

Reading technical director Brian Tevreden added: “In his performances for the Under-23s, Andy consistently demonstrated how capable he was of potentially making an impact at first-team level.

"Making that step up in the two cup ties he has played in this season, he has begun to prove himself as a professional.

"Now, after recovering from injury, it is down to him to continue to strive for improvement and press for more first team minutes when the opportunity presents itself.”