Glen Little could not hide his excitement after playing 30 minutes unscathed for the reserves at Fulham last night.

It was a very significant step for our winger, and while he still needs some more work on his fitness, he showed some wonderful touches and looked great on the ball.

He beamingly told readingfc.co.uk after the game, "I was so glad to be out there, you just can't believe it. It's been so long. It's almost a year but I still kept believing.

"There were some dark days with the frustration and disappointment, but I'm back out there and I feel like a footballer again after that.

"All I need now is the fitness. I've only been training the last two weeks, and I had a hamstring niggle that set me back a few days, otherwise maybe I would have started the game.

"I was happy to get through it, I had a couple of runs, some touches, some passes and I'm alright, I'm ready to go when I get back to training again on Thursday now. I can train for the next few days, then get to the next reserve game and go from there.

"Normally reserve games can be slow but it was quite frantic. I was a bit worried coming on, it was 100mph! Fulham had a bit of pace up front, it was a tough night for our defenders and it was a proper game.

"I got a couple of good touches early, Jon Fearn had said to me to not do anything stupid and play in your own time, but when the little give and gos are there you want to get on the ball, get it moving, keep passing and play!

"I was back with Murts out there, it must be years since he's played for the reserves and it was like the old days and I can feel like a footballer again.

"The one thing I wanted to do was get myself back on that coach after the game and be fine for training for Thursday."

Boss Brian McDermott was equally pleased with Glen's performance, saying, "He showed his quality, it was a real plus for us. He was a tiny bit apprehensive before the game, but he came through it fine and can be well pleased.

"He just went out there and did what he always does, he opened them up a couple of times and it was really, really pleasing, a major positive from the game."

"Murts got 90 minutes as well. He's been a top player for the last ten years. We've got some terrific older lads with Sonks, Doobs and De La. They generally give their all, but at the moment it's not happening for this team."

We lost the game 2-0, and it was a disappointing performance. Only when Little and then Radoslav Vasilev entered the fray did we really get going and get forward.

Brian said, "The result was dissapointing but the effort was there. We have to be better, and we chatted about it after the game, we know it. We didn't pass it well, and didn't force their keeper into any proper saves."

Extended video highlights from the game are live on Reading World right now. Click here for a free clip including a great backheel from Glen.