OLIVER Norwood is enjoying his football again and it's Reading that are currently reaping the rewards.

The central midfielder has been Royals' star player in the opening six games of the season, completing all but a minute of their campaign so far.

It is quite a transformation for the 24-year-old, who fell out of favour under Steve Clarke last season.

Norwood is now one of the first names on Clarke's teamsheet and he revealed a chat with the boss at the end of last season helped get him in the right mindset to force his way back into the side over the summer.

He explained: “Me and the gaffer had a chat last season on what he expected me to do so I took that on board and worked hard during the summer.

“I didn't really have a break but I think it's paying off.

“I wanted to make sure I came back in the best shape possible, I wanted to hit the ground running and to make a marker that I mean business.

“I've played a bit of a different role this season but as long as I'm playing I don't care really. I'm just happy to be playing football.

“These things [the end of last season] happens to everyone through their career. Throughout the season you have dips in form and changes in opinion, but you get on with it.”

Norwood is almost certain to start again on Saturday against Brentford, with Reading still searching for their first league win of the season.

The Burnley-born midfielder isn't worried that a win is yet to arrive but admits three points would be the perfect way to sign off before an international break with Northern Ireland.

“It'll be no better thing for us than winning the final game before the break,” he added. “It can be a long two weeks otherwise and we feel that we need that win sooner rather than later.

“We've started in good form but we're just lacking that cutting edge. You could say we should've won every game so far but that's football. We need to capitalise when we're on top.

“At times last year we were conceding too many chances and too many goals but we've worked on tightening that up and we've conceded the least amount of shots in the league so it shows it's working.

“We just need a couple of goals at the other end now.

“Brentford are a very good side as we found out twice last season but we're looking forward to it.”