The 23-year-old midfielder became Nigel Adkins’ fourth summer signing last week when he made a £1.2 million switch from Huddersfield Town.

The timing of the move meant Norwood only made the bench for the 4-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest last weekend.

He came on for the last half-hour by which time Adkins’ injury-ravaged side were already 3-0 down at the City Ground.

And he had to miss out again on Tuesday when he was cup-tied for Reading’s 1-0 victory at Scunthorpe United.

However, Adkins is almost certain to shuffle his pack for a third away fixture in a week when Royals go to Middlesbrough this Saturday and hand Norwood a full debut.

The cultured midfielder said: “I hope to be involved, obviously it’s up to the manager.

“I feel I’m fit having played the first two games for Huddersfield, pretty much 90 minutes, so I’m ready, but it’s the manager’s decision. I just can’t wait for my debut.”

Adkins had followed Norwood’s progress closely over many months and it appears the admiration between the pair is mutual.

The former Manchester United Academy product says it is Adkins’ approach to football which attracted him most to the Madejski Stadium.

“The manager was a massive factor in me coming here,” he admitted. “His energy, his positivity and the way he wants to play the game, it all made me want to play for him and the club.

“It was music to my ears that he wants to get the ball down and play, and that he sees me being part of it for him. I’m very happy and can’t wait to get started.

“I like to see myself as a ball player with energy who tries to get on the ball and pass it, as well as look to shoot from distance. I just can’t wait.”

Manchester United had wanted to keep the promising youngster, but he rejected a new deal at Old Trafford in order to find first team football.

The Northern Ireland international went to Huddersfield in 2012 and impressed over the next two season before signing a three-year contract at Reading last week.

Now, with Danny Guthrie, Hal Robson-Kanu, Jem Karacan, Danny Williams and Garath McCleary all missing from midfield through injury, Norwood’s chances of regular games have increased considerably, with a possible full debut awaiting this Saturday.

With 99 Championship appearances to his name and 10 goals already, Norwood has plenty of experience at this level which should give Adkins’ fledgling squad a significant boost.

He quipped: “I mentioned to the gaffer that I feel old now, coming in at 23.

“It’s exciting with the squad here, Academy players get fans off their seats and supporters always want to see players coming through.

“They were very impressive and it stands the club in good stead.”

Meanwhile, Chris Gunter and Hal Robson-Kanu have been named in the Wales squad for their European Championships Qualifier in Andorra on Tuesday, September 9.

READING Under 21s lost to an experienced Newcastle United team 5-2 on Monday.

The Royals’ went 2-0 up with goals from defender Rob Dickie and midfielder Conor Shaughnessy before slipping to defeat.