CENTRE-BACK Michael Hector has pledged his future to Reading, signing a new three-year contract at the Madejski Stadium.

The 22-year-old, who is a product of the Royals' academy, made 49 appearances for the club last season, scoring three goals.

He said: "It’s a really positive step for me to sign another deal at Reading and to know that you’re wanted by the manager and the club is a great feeling. This is a proud moment for me and my family.

"I want to play week in, week out in the Championship again next season and hopefully I can do well and, as a team, we can improve on last year. That's the aim"

Royals boss Steve Clarke added: "Since I came to the club in December, Michael's performances have improved almost from game to game. For a young defender to show such consistency of performance is great to see.

"However it was his work day in, day out on the training ground that impressed me the most and has shown me that Michael can have a big future in the game. This contract is a reward for the improvement shown and I'm looking forward to working with Michael in the coming season when, hopefully, he will continue on the same path."

Hector joined Reading as a 17-year-old in 2009, embarking on a series of loan spells at clubs including Dundalk, Shrewsbury, Aldershot and Aberdeen before making his Royals debut in January 2014.

However, it was during last season that he came to the fore, earning an international call-up for Jamaica, who he will represent in the Copa America this summer.