READING FC manager Paul Ince has challenged Ovie Ejaira to recapture his best form when he returns from injury.
The 26-year-old midfielder missed out on the club’s trip to Tenerife during the World Cup break due to disciplinary reasons and is currently out with a knee injury.
“We know he’s got loads of ability. It’s about producing it on the pitch,” said Ince.
“Before I came I knew about Ovie from Rangers and Liverpool. People said to me he’s very, very good.
“He’s a very talented player and I’ve seen a lot of talented players that have never made it and have fallen by the wayside.
“With Ovie it’s a strange one. Last year we played him on the left hand side and he was very good for us.
“He’s definitely got it there but it’s about doing it on a consistent basis. This year has been up and down with injuries and he’s never really got going.
“He’s one that needs to play in a specific role and play week in, week out. We haven’t had that luxury to do that yet.”
Ince praised Ejaria’s attitude in training and believes he will have a big role to play in the team for the remainder of the season.
He continued: “He’s got to look once he’s fit that he needs to get better. We want him to play and show the world what he can do.
“To be fair to the lad he’s a very good trainer, he works hard.
“If he can work hard and use his talent, then you’ve got a very special player.
“With our players we’ve got to improve them, make them feel better about themselves
“It’s hard with Ovie, he’s an introverted person and doesn’t say a lot. He’s very quiet, comes and does his job.
“We want to get him back on the training ground and hopefully he can help Reading stay in this league.”
