New signing feels he is good enough for the Prem

Reading's new signing Hope Akpan has said he feels capable of playing Premier League football and can't wait to start.

The 21-year old completed his move from League One outfit Crawley Town on Tuesday afternoon, for a fee around £300,000. Hope primarily plays as a centre midfielder and can prove a goal scoring threat from midfield, having already scored six for the Red Devils this season. The Nigerian could even make the bench for West Brom on Saturday.

Speaking to the Official Reading FC website, Akpan said: 'I'm really excited and hopeful of what the future holds. I'm fit and raring to go and I can't wait to get started. I think I'm capable to play in the Premier League. Brian obviously got in contact with me and everything he has said to me has been great so hopefully I can do really well here.'

'It feels really good to sign. I've seen the club bring a lot of young players through, some from the lower leagues. They've come to Reading and done well. There's loads. The likes of Shane Long and Kevin Doyle have come from Reading and established themselves in the Premier League so hopefully I can do the same here.'

The lad clearly has confidence in himself, which is good to see, as the Premier League is going to be a big step for him. We're hopefully going to have an interview with a Crawley fan soon about Hope, but from what I have been hearing, he is very calm on the ball, with a good touch and has good passing range.

Wiki page: Hope Akpan

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