Reading concluded their pre-season schedule with a narrow 4-3 defeat to Premier League side, Chelsea at the Madejski Stadium on Sunday. 

The Royals took the lead on the day, but Frank Lampard's side were more clinical in front of goal which saw them run out winners in Berkshire.

But Jose Gomes' side matched the Blues for much of the game, with one youngster's latest showing catching the eye against high-class opposition.

Reading academy graduate, Tom McIntyre was hugely impress in the defeat, and marked World Cup winning forward, Olivier Giroud out of the game in the first-half, before they were both substituted.

Reading's Josh Barrett opened the scoring in the game, and poked fun at Giroud for being kept quiet by the Royals youngster.

His impressive showings will give Jose Gomes some thinking to do heading into their first game of the league season against Sheffield Wednesday, who are yet to appoint Steve Bruce's successor.

Reading have already signed Michael Morrison and Matt Miazga ahead of the new season, so competition for places alongside captain, Liam Moore are going to be fiercely competitive.

McIntyre has been a regular over pre-season though, and will be hoping that Gomes retains the faith he has shown in him for the season opener on Saturday.

It's set to be a tough test for the Royals, who will be hoping to build on some strong performances towards the end of last year's campaign as they narrowly retained their Championship status on the penultimate game of the season.

The Verdict: 

McIntyre has given Gomes a real selection dilemma for the season opener against Sheffield Wednesday this weekend.

The youngster hardly put a foot wrong in the game, and will fancy his chances at retaining his place in the starting XI alongside Liam Moore.

But competition for places is high in the Reading squad, and he'll be keeping his fingers crossed that he's given a chance by the Royals boss in the near future.