Chief Executive Nigel Howe believes Simon Church's involvement in the first team sets a good example for the impact our young players can hope to make.

Church came into the team for our play-off semi-final second leg with Burnley, and has subsequently made his debut for the full Welsh team.

Howe told readingfc.co.uk, "The fact Simon did so well and looked like he could be a regular player shows we have got an in-depth set of players here. Not just him but a lot of other players, Kelly has featured and many others.

"Steve Coppell was a very cautious judge, he didn't like to change his team much and I think those who were at the Burnley game will say Simon did incredibly well, he looks like a very good player for the future and Steve wouldn't have played him if he didn't think he was ready.

"The young players will need games to get experience, it's different than playing on loan or in the reserves but they will be good, I think it's important that we recognise those guys are going to feature and we are going to have to surround them with some maturity.

"I think we all know from our own human behaviour that you get a bit nervous, those players are extra nervous and they do make mistakes and I think that until they have settled down, give them five or six games and they will settle.

"But in the first few games they will be nervous, they will need support and it's important the crowd are on their side and support them even when things perhaps don't go for them. What you see out there are some old heads on some very young bodies.

"Of course some players are going to be brought in to assist them and keep them together, but I think we have a fantastic Academy, it's tremendous.

"What it's producing year-on-year is great, we have produced a strong nucleus of players and will continue to do so, the numbers are always growing."

Church is in Wales' squad for a World Cup qualifier with Azerbaijan this weekend.