Reading Midfielder Hope Akpan Retains Number 16 Shirt

Ahead of their first competitive fixture of the season against Birmingham City, Championship club Reading have announced their squad numbers.

Nigeria international Hope Akpan has opted to retain the number 16 shirt he wore while making 20 appearances in the league last season.

The midfielder was involved for 16 minutes when The Royals faced Espanyol in their final pre - season fixture last Saturday.

Hope Akpan played in every pre - season game contested by Reading except their 1 - 1 draw with Swansea City on July 24.

The 23 - year - old accumulated 202 minutes of game time during pre - season, starting two out of five games in the process.