GEORGE EVANS can make an immediate impact at Reading, boss Brian McDermott has said.
Royals announced the signing of the 21-year-old midfielder shortly before Tuesday’s night’s 5-2 victory over Huddersfield Town in a FA Cup third-round replay at Madejski Stadium.
He would watch on from the stands as a Matej Vydra hat-trick helped the club fight back from 2-0 down and keep their involvement in the competition alive.
Evans, who can also play at centre-back, arrives at the club from Manchester City, where he made a handful of appearances for the Premier League side in both the League Cup and friendly matches.
He was also named on the Citizens’ bench for a recent league game against Tottenham Hotspur and the Champions League group match with Borussia Monchengladbach.
Yet despite being of a younger age, Evans has racked up more than 50 appearances during loan spells with Crewe Alexander, Scunthorpe United and Royals’ next opponents in the FA Cup – Walsall, scoring five times.
And it was during his time with the Saddlers when Evans caught the attention of McDermott, who was then working as a scout with Arsenal.
But his interest remained and Evans could be involved when Reading entertain Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship on Saturday.
Signed a long term contract at @ReadingFC and can't wait to get started.⚽️❤️ pic.twitter.com/iPmqGC584e
— George Evans (@GeorgeEvans70) January 19, 2016
The player becomes McDermott’s first signing since retuning as manager, who believes the arrival represents Royals’ work in the market of old.
“He is a typical sort of Reading signing back in the day, where we used to try and bring players through and develop them and that is what we will be trying to do with George,” said McDermott.
“He is 6ft 2ins, he can score, he can pass it and makes a tackle, and he is a great guy as well.
“He is another one into the changing room and can make the dressing room better, and he is a good character.
“He is a great guy and a terrific young midfielder with great pedigree, and I’m sure he will become an even better player working in our environment at Reading.”
When asked if Evans can make an immediate impression, he added: “I would like to think so, absolutely.
“He has signed, so he is available (for Saturday).”
Evans, however, will have to sit out the clash with previous club Walsall, as he is cup tied having featured for Sean O’Driscoll’s men in previous rounds of the competition.
