Michael Hector has signed a new three-year deal at Reading, and the defender has targeted another season in Steve Clarke's first XI.
The centre-back made 49 appearances for the Royals in 2014/15, which was his breakthrough season at the Madejski Stadium having previously spent a series of loan spells away from the club, most notably with Barnet, Cheltenham Town and Aberdeen."This is a proud moment for me and my family,” the 22-year-old, who was voted in the top three of the club's Player of the Season award, told readingfc.co.uk when signing his new long-term contract.
"It’s a really positive step for me to sign another deal at Reading and to know that you’re wanted by the manager and the club, it's a great feeling.
"I want to play week in, week out in the Championship again next season and hopefully I can do well and, as a team, we can improve on last year. That's the aim.”
Hector joined Reading in 2009 but didn't make his debut for the club until January 2014, when coming on as a substitute in their 7-1 thrashing of Bolton Wanderers.
His first start came later in the same season, in a 1-1 draw at Brighton, and the defender has featured heavily in the starting line-up since then.
Royals manager Clarke added: "Since I came to the club in December 2014, Michael's performances have improved almost from game to game. For a young defender to show such consistency of performance is great to see.
"However, it was his work day in, day out on the training ground that impressed me the most and has shown me that Michael can have a big future in the game.
“This contract is a reward for the improvement shown and I'm looking forward to working with Michael in the coming season when, hopefully, he will continue on the same path."