Reading’s John Swift named EFL Young Player of the Month for January

Reading’s John Swift has been named the EFL Young Player of the Month for January following an exciting set of performances at the heart of The Royals midfield.

The 21-year-old recently scored his eighth goal of the season and has been a prominent feature in Jaap Stam’s side since returning from injury, scoring three times as Reading won four of their six January fixtures.

Having spent time on loan at a number of Football League clubs, Swift joined The Royals on a permanent deal in the summer of 2016 following his release from Premier League leaders Chelsea.

Since scoring on his Reading debut, Swift has benefitted from the opportunity to play regular first-team football and is a now regular in the England Under-21 side.

“Of course I’m pleased. Credit has to go to the whole team as well for recent performances, but for me personally I’m pleased to win the award and help the team continue the good run that we’re on,” Swift said.

Reading notched four wins in January with Swift getting on the scoresheet three times, which has seen them rise up to fifth place in the Championship.

He added, “It was quite hard coming back from injury and getting back into the swing of things, but I came back into a team that was already firing.

“Awards are nice but the whole team is the most important thing. We are still up there and still pushing for promotion which is the aim.”