Reading manager Jaap Stam has explained why West Ham defender Reece Oxford has been largely absent from first team squads since his arrival at the club in January.
The 18 year old has made just one substitute appearance for the Royals so far, and he has missed out on the matchday squad entirely for five of the nine Championship games since he arrived at the Madejski stadium.
The centre back suffered a serious ankle injury which kept him out of action for two months before the New Year, and he will no doubt be suffering from a lack of match fitness. Stam also revealed however that Oxford has found it hard to cope with the intensity of training since joining from the Hammers. He is quoted by Football.London as saying:
“Reece Oxford has been surprised at the level of intensity in training at Reading, compared to at West Ham. Young players need to improve. You need to be on top of them and give them good advice, so that’s why training is intense.”
Oxford finally made his debut for Reading last weekend, coming on for 18 minutes after replacing Paul McShane in the 3-0 away defeat to Preston North End.
