Last updated on .From the section Football

Jake Cooper has scored twice for Reading in 21 appearances

Reading defender Jake Cooper has signed a new contract with the Championship club, keeping him at the Madejski Stadium until the summer of 2018.

The 20-year-old centre-back made his debut against Ipswich in August 2014, making 19 appearances last season.

Cooper, a product of the Royals' academy, has been with the club since the age of 14.

"I'm very pleased Jake has committed his future to the club," manager Steve Clarke told the club's website. external-link

"With the sale of Michael Hector to Chelsea, it was very important to secure Jake on a longer contract as I'm sure he will be a valued player for this club now and in the future,"

Cooper has made only two this season after his return from injury but he impressed alongside fellow academy graduate Hector in Reading's 2-1 defeat against Everton in the League Cup third round last month.