Cummins says youngsters learn better with pro's

Reading development coach Chris Cummins has said that his younger players will learn immensely from playing with experienced pro's in under 21 games.

The Royals took on Arsenal in an under 21 fixture on Tuesday night and it was a game where both sides fielded a mix of youth and experienced players. Reading fielded the likes of Danny Guthrie, Jason Roberts and Adam Le Fondre, while the Gunners played internationals such as Bacary Sagna and midfielder Jack Wilshere.

Speaking to the Reading FC Official Site, Chris said: 'It was fantastic for the likes of Lawson D'Ath and Aaron Tshibola to play alongside Roberts, Le Fondre and Guthrie. They are great players at this club to look up to. It was a really good mix of youth and experience. Roberts got a big 75 minutes out of game which is great for his fitness.'

'Arsenal had a few senior pros out there too and that's how it should be done - having the youngsters learn from the experienced players. It's easy to forget that Morro is still under 21! He's a top lad and he was great with Niall Keown at the back leading by example. He's going to be a big player for the future.'

Arsenal proved victorious in the encounter at Underhill by two goals, but it wasn't to take the gloss off what a fantastic learning curve it was for the players. Cummins' side are currently 5th placed in the under 21 National Group One, with two victories out of six games. Next up is Bolton for the Royals, who sit in eight place.

Wiki page: Chris Cummins

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