Reading Under-21 breezed past Brighton and Hove Albion in an impressive PL2 victory on Saturday, coming up against a former first-team regular in Caylan Vickers.

19-year-old Vickers rose through the ranks with his boyhood club and scored three goals in 22 appearances during the first half of this season before opting to link up with the Premier League Seagulls.

Signing until 2027, the attacking midfielder has made seven appearances for Shannon Ruth's Under-21s outfit.

Infamously, it was Ruth's Young Seagulls who knocked Vickers and Reading out of the EFL Trophy on penalties earlier in the season.

Michael Stickland, Charlie Wellens and John Clarke netted in East Sussex, moving Noel Hunt's side up to seventh in the top flight.

A top-12 finish means entry into the playoffs and next season’s Premier League International Cup.

Derby County are the only other third-tier side with a Category One Academy in PL2.

Nottingham Forest and Manchester City remain in the normal season, both of which currently sit below the Royals.