Reading have announced that Michael Hector has committed the next three years to the Championship club by signing a new contract.

The 22-year-old, who scored three times in 48 appearances for the Royals in the season just gone, penned fresh terms just last summer.

However, the club are determined to keep the centre-back at the Madejski Stadium for the long term and they have succeeded by agreeing a deal that will run until 2018.

"It's a really positive step for me to sign another deal at Reading and to know that you're wanted by the manager and the club, it's a great feeling," Hector told the club's official website. "This is a proud moment for me and my family.

"I want to play week in, week out in the Championship again next season and hopefully I can do well and, as a team, we can improve on last year - that's the aim."

Manager Steve Clarke added: "Since I came to the club in December 2014, Michael's performances have improved almost from game to game. For a young defender to show such consistency of performance is great to see.

"However it was his work day in, day out on the training ground that impressed me the most and has shown me that Michael can have a big future in the game. This contract is a reward for the improvement shown and I'm looking forward to working with Michael in the coming season when, hopefully, he will continue on the same path."

Hector first signed for Reading back in 2009.