SAM SMITH thanked the fans after making his full Championship debut – but admits he thought he had done something wrong when summoned to Jaap Stam’s office on Friday morning.
Academy striker Smith, 19, was a shock name in the Reading line-up to face Middlesbrough at Madejski Stadium on Saturday having played just two minutes of league football previously.
The forward was out on loan at Bishop’s Stortford in National League South a year ago, but netted for the Royals against Millwall in the Carabao Cup back in August.
And although Reading were beaten 2-0 by Boro, it was a memorable afternoon for Smith.
“It was amazing,” he said.
“Just walking out, the fans gave me a really good reception and it was just all overwhelming.
“I was quite shocked at the reception when they shouted my name and everyone was cheering.
“That made me a lot more confident going into the game and I really appreciated that.”
He added: “He (Jaap Stam) pulled me into his office on Friday morning after breakfast.
“I thought I was in trouble to be honest!
“And then he told me that I would be starting and just showed me what he wanted from me and what I needed to do for the team.”
He continued: “12 months ago I was playing at Bishop’s Stortford on loan in front of 30 people.
“The whole 12 months has been just a rollercoaster.
“I’m just taking it as it comes and there’s a lot of experienced pros in there like Yann (Kermorgant) and people like that and I’m just learning off people like them and becoming a better player.”
REACTION: Jaap Stam discusses fears for his job
Royals started brightly before falling behind to a Grant Leadbitter penalty and their performance notably dipped after a sickening clash between Tiago Ilori and Liam Moore, which saw the former taken to hospital with suspected concussion.
Britt Assombalonga’s second half header sealed victory for Boro and left Royals 20th in the Championship.
And Smith revealed the extent of Ilori’s injury.
“That summed the performance up really,” said the striker.
“Things are just not going our way.
“I walked over to Tiago and it looked like something from Halloween.
“He had blood squirting out of his head and I got blood on my shirt.
“He got rushed to hospital and hopefully he’ll be alright.
“Liam’s got a few stitches but he should be alright as well. I think he’s got a bit of a headache but he’ll be alright!”
