Reading boss urges Nigeria-eligible midfielder to improve

The 25-year-old midfielder showed a lot of promise in his earlier years, but his performances in recent months for reading have been below par.

Reading FC coach Paul Ince has urged Nigeria-eligible forward Ovie Ejaria to improve if he wants to play an important role in his team.

Ejaria's career started at Liverpool, but he went on loan spells at Sunderland, Rangers, and Reading before finally sealing a permanent deal with the Royals in 2020.

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The London-born midfielder had a good first season at Reading, registering three goals and five assists in 38 games. However, his performances started dwindling last season, partly due to injuries.

This season, Ejaria has failed to live up to the billing, making just eight appearances in the Championship.

Reading boss Ince has not been impressed by the 25-year-old's displays recently, and he wants to see an improvement from the Nigeria-eligible midfielder.

“We know he’s got loads of ability, but it’s about producing it on the pitch,” Ince said as per the Reading chronicle.

“He’s a very talented player, but I’ve seen a lot of talented players fall by the wayside.

“With Ovie, last year we played him on the left-hand side, and I think he was very good for us, but the last game of the season he played as a 10 and it’s probably the best I’ve seen him play for me.

“He’s got it there; it’s just doing it on a consistent basis. This year has been up and down with injuries.

“He’s one who needs to play in a specific position week in and week out, and we’ve not had the luxury to do that yet.

“Players like that, you don’t want them to drift out of the game, you want them to show the world what they can do.

“I can see the talent that he’s got, he’s a very good trainer. If you can work hard and use the talent you’ve got, you’ve got a player.”

Ovie was not part of Reading's 1-0 win over Coventry, as he is currently struggling with his fitness.

The Royals are three points away from a playoff spot, and coach Ince will need all his firepower if he wants to push the team to the English top flight. Ovie would look to regain his form and help Reading to a good finish.

Ovie Ejaria played for England at the youth level, but he can switch allegiance to Nigeria because he has Nigerian parents.