With more and more young managers being given the chance at big sides, many have been delighted to see Jaap Stam in the Reading dugout at the start of this season.

The Royals have offered the former Manchester United great his first opportunity at management.

They'll have their own lofty ambitions this season after a decent start to the campaign but Stam will know that this league is more difficult than ever.

With the likes of Norwich City, Aston Villa and Newcastle all coming down from the top-flight last season, the race is on for promotion and Stam will probably do extremely well to guide his side into the play-offs.

So with mid-table security more likely a target, how should Stam line up for the game against Brighton this weekend?

Here's our thoughts, with a Reading XI that can do the business against Brighton on Saturday......

GK: Ali Al-Habsi

The former Wigan man is an important part of this new-look Reading team and he has plenty of experience at this level, after his time with Wigan Athletic.

The Oman international is a safe-bet between the sticks, and will look to lead from the back this season.

RB: Chris Gunter

Has been a mainstay in Jaap Stam's side so far this season and its easy to see why.

The Welsh international, who had a big part to play in his nation's Euro 2016 journey is so sound in the right-back position and can deal with most attacking threats coming down his side of the pitch.

CB: Paul McShane

The former Hull City man might be going into his thirties but he's still a good defender at this level, and is also the Royals captain.

There is plenty of pressure on the Irish international's shoulders to perform, after all, Dutch legend Jaap Stam is now his manager.

Will need to step up in the presence of one of the best defenders the world has ever seen.

CB: Joey van den Berg

New signing Joey van den Berg joined the club from Dutch side Heerenveen this season, and looks set to play a big part for the Royals this season.

He's Jaap Stam's signing and you'd expect him to partner McShane in defence all season.

Will be interesting to see how he adjusts to English football after playing in Holland for his whole career.

LB: Jordan Obita

Successfully stepped up from the academy back in 2010, and apart from some early loan moves in his career, he's been big for the Royals for the past few years now.

Can play as a left-back or a left-winger and is frighteningly quick.

Gives Reading some real pace going forward and the combination of him and Gunter really works in defence.

CDM: Danny Williams

The American international has really settled in England since his move from 1899 Hoffenheim back in 2013.

Has played in all of Reading's games this season and looks to be a sure-fire starter under Jaap Stam.

CDM: George Evans

Former Manchester City academy product George Evans has also been given the chance to shine under the new gaffer. and has taken his chance this campaign.

Started and played the whole game against Wolves last week and will hope to build on yet another promising display.

21-years-old with plenty of room left to grow.

RM/RW: Garath McCleary

Has been one of Reading's biggest players for the past few years now, and it's clear to see just how important he is in this side.

Scores a handful of goals each campaign but it's his work down the flanks which really help his team as he bombs down the wing, attacking the opposition full-backs at every opportunity.

Good to see an English player at this level being so dynamic in his play, and Reading will once again look to him to provide creativity this season.

CAM/CF: John Swift

Another new summer recruit, John Swift joined the Madejski from Chelsea, whom he made one appearances for during a three-year spell.

However he signed a three-year contract with Reading this July, and got a goal on his debut in the 1-0 win over Preston North End.

He's a real box-to-box player who might have a more advanced role to play in this Reading side.

LM/LW: Roy Beerens

Another summer recruit by new manager Jaap Stam, the pacy Dutchman had been playing for Hertha Berlin before he made the move to England.

Hertha had an excellent season last year, but Beerens was on the fringes of the side, prompting him to change country in his pursuit of first-team football.

Time will very much tell how good the 28-year-old can be for Reading, but after some promising displays earlier on, he should start the game against Brighton to put pressure on their full-backs.

ST: Yann Kermorgant

French striker Kermorgant has plenty of experience at this level with Bournemouth and Charlton Athletic, and he will hope to fire plenty of goals for the Royals this season.

Had a decent start having signed in January last season but will hope to get plenty of goals.

His form will be vital as Reading try to finish as high up the table as possible.