READING FC teenager Danny Loader has been nominated for the LFE Apprentice of the Year award.

The 17-year-old striker is on a three-man shortlist along with Sheffield Wednesday’s Alex Hunt and Fulham whizzkid Ryan Sessegnon.

The award, aimed at first or second year apprentices and first-year professionals, is designed to recognise the most outstanding young professionals and English Football League clubs who excel both on and off the pitch.

Leighton Park School pupil Loader, whose brother, Ben, plays for London Irish RFC, helped England win the Under 17 World Cup in India last summer.

He also made his Reading FC first-team debut in a 3-1 Carabao Cup win over Millwall last August and has been training with the club's senior players for many months.

The winners will be announced across 12 different categories at a ceremony at Park Lane’s Hilton on Sunday, April 15.

Loader will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of Royals vice-captain, Chris Gunter, who won the award in 2007.

Toon on the Horizon

READING FC Under 23s return from a month’s break when they host Newcastle United at Adams Park on Monday, April 16 (7pm).

Scott Marshall’s side lost 3-1 at Aston Villa last time out in Premier League Two Division Two.

Their final game of the season is a week later at home to Stoke City.

Meanwhile, Reading Under 18s host West Ham at Hogwood Park this Saturday (11am). David Dodds’ youngsters beat Norwich City 4-1 in their last league match.