Paul Ince makes Tom Holmes prediction after making Reading FC defender vice captain for 2022/23

Reading FC boss Paul Ince says Tom Holmes will be 'an excellent captain in the future' after handing the 22-year-old the vice-captaincy for 2022/23.

Academy graduate Holmes, who has been with the club since the age of eight, penned a new three-year contract with Royals earlier this summer.

He has now been rewarded for some fine performances by being announced as Andy Yiadom's deputy for Reading this coming season.

Ince has been a big fan of Holmes ever since joining the club in February and he reckons the centre-back has all the hallmarks of being chosen to wear the armband in the future.

"Tom is a fantastic defender who is committed to the cause from the first to the final minute in every match he plays," Ince said. "He is young, his game continues to develop and grow, but his ability is unquestionable and his leadership skills – even at the young age he still is - are so important to the dynamics of this team. He is Reading Football Club through and through and I am certain he will go on to make an excellent captain in the future."

Reading get their season underway a week on Saturday when they travel to Bloomfield Road to take on Blackpool in the Championship.