Reading manager Leam Richardson was handed a selection dilemma after Charlie Savage put in a stunning display in a 5-0 win over Peterborough United last night.
The 23-year-old was handed a rare start at the Weston Homes Stadium as he was pitted against his father Robbie in the FA Cup first round. Savage starred in the centre of the park, scoring the third goal in what turned out to be a rout.
It was a performance which earned the midfielder the Player of the Match award, giving Richardson food for thought ahead of next weekend’s trip to fellow League One promotion contenders Stockport County.
Savage Prepared To Be Patient
Savage was an almost ever-present in the heart of Reading’s midfield last season, which earned him links to the Championship over the summer. He remained at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, but has mainly had to watch from the substitutes bench this season.
He has just 116 minutes of League One action under his belt this term, but admitted in the aftermath of last night’s victory that he is prepared to be patient. Speaking after the game, he said:
“Yeah, 100 per cent. I think as a professional you’ve just got to give your all every single game and that’s all you can control.
“There’s no point moaning, sulking and being a bad egg.
“You’ve just got to wait for your chance and take it and, like I say, try my best every game and hopefully I did okay.”
Richardson Acknowledges ‘Excellent’ Performance
Reading have enjoyed an excellent opening third of the campaign and currently sit sixth in the third tier. This seems to justify Richardson’s selection choices, although they have dropped points in three of their last five outings.
Savage’s performance may give the ex-Wigan Athletic boss somewhat of a dilemma, especially with a tough trip to Stockport next weekend. The manager revealed that he had held conversations with the Welsh international prior to yesterday’s fixture:
“We had a good chat yesterday, myself and Charlie, about the time we’ve worked together and the improvements he’s made within his game, because you can see the quality he’s got.
“He’s a very good player, and I thought he was excellent tonight.”
Savage could be handed a second successive start on Tuesday night when Reading travel to Bristol Rovers in the EFL Trophy. The former Manchester United academy graduate has started both games for the Royals in the competition thus far and may be hoping for another opportunity to show his worth to Richardson.
