Former Reading midfielder Jeff Hendrick has tipped young forward Kyreece Lisbie for a future move to the Championship. Hendrick believes the 20-year-old has the potential to make the step up if he can sustain his impressive start to the League One campaign.
Hendrick, who played for the Royals between 2022 and 2024, also highlighted the positive work of manager Leam Richardson. "Leam Richardson is an up-and-coming manager," Hendrick said. "I think if you're doing well, you're always going to get linked to other jobs."
Lisbie's early impact
Hendrick singled out Lisbie for particular praise, noting his immediate impact. "Kyreece Lisbie has started really well," Hendrick observed. "His goal contributions have been good, but he needs to do it for the full season." He suggested the natural progression would see the player either promoted with Reading or sold to a club at a higher level, allowing him to test himself.
The forward, son of former Charlton Athletic striker Kevin Lisbie, is part of a footballing family. Hendrick also noted that Lisbie's brother is performing well at Millwall, adding to the positive environment for the young talent.
Context of growing recognition
Hendrick's comments arrive as Reading sit seventh in the table with 12 points from eight games, a solid platform for Richardson's project. The manager's work has been recognised with a nomination for the League One Manager of the Month award, while striker Jack Marriott, the club's top scorer with eight goals in seven appearances, is up for the Player of the Month prize.
This broader recognition shows the positive trajectory Hendrick identified. The team's next challenge is an away trip to face Milton Keynes Dons, who are 22nd, this Saturday. Fans can check the full schedule on the club's fixtures page and view the latest standings. The focus for Lisbie and his teammates will be turning recent draws into wins to climb higher.
The report in full is at readingchronicle.co.uk
