LIAM Kelly says he still has to pinch himself after becoming a Reading FC regular.

It wasn’t long ago that Kelly would sit with supporters to watch his beloved Royals from the stands.

Now, after graduating through the club’s Academy, Kelly is one of the first names on Jaap Stam’s team sheet.

It has been a dramatic rise to the top for the diminutive midfielder who was loaned to Bath City last February before a run of six goals in 16 games for the National League South club made Reading take notice.

Kelly, who turned 21 in November, is now a firm fans’ favourite at Madejski Stadium.

He told the Reading Chronicle: “I’ve been at this club since I was eight-years-old, I have grown up here.

“I came through the Academy and it wasn’t that long ago I was coming to watch Reading games myself and with my family.

“When I was younger I can remember wanting to play for Reading every day, it’s all I ever wanted.

“So if I’m honest playing for the first team now is a bit surreal.

“Sometimes I have to pinch myself that I’m actually playing for the club. It’s absolutely brilliant to hear fans sing your name.”

It has been a whirlwind few months for Kelly who signed a new contract until 2019 in December and then scored his first senior goal in a 3-2 win at Bristol City a few days later.

That prompted Stam to describe the youngster as ‘like a new signing’ following his rapid improvement.

“Ask anyone, he’s a world class coach,” said Kelly. “What he has done with us as a team and as players is brilliant.

“It’s pleasing to hear the manager say nice things about you, especially from him as he has achieved so much in the game.

“We’ve got a big squad and competition for places is healthy.

“But none of us expect to be in the side every game, we know we have to fight for our place every day.”

Kelly is now set to start against Barnsley at Madejski Stadium this Saturday (3pm) as Stam's men search for a fourth win in five Championship matches.

Stam's men have won seven of their last eight fixtures at home and have lost only twice at the Madejski this season.

And the Republic of Ireland Under 21 international stressed: “We want to build on that home record.

“It is massive if you want to win titles and promotion, all the top teams in England and all over the world will say that.

“It’s what we set out to achieve at the start of the season.

“We knew our record at Madejski Stadium would be very important.

“We’re doing that, we have only lost twice at home and we have to keep that going.”

Stam will be without the services of Paul McShane once again as the skipper battles back from a calf problem.

Tiago Ilori, Joey van den Berg, Callum Harriott, Deniss Rakels and Stephen Quinn are also unavailable through injury.

Reading will be looking to complete a league double over Barnsley this season following their 2-1 win at Oakwell in September.

Garath McCleary and John Swift netted for Royals who were forced to play with 10 men for an hour following McCleary's red card.

  • SEE THE CHRONICLE WEBSITE FOR LIVE COVERAGE OF READINGFC V BARNSLEY.