Bennett To Fight For His Place At Reading

Last updated : 22 June 2007 By Kevin Markey

The 25-year-old centre-back is yet to make a first team appearance for the Royals since his £250k transfer from Cork City in January.

But that did not stop him from breaking into the Republic of Ireland national side last month before even playing for his club's first-team.

Wise sent scouts to keep an eye on Bennett last season when he was a regular of Brian McDermott's successful reserves team.

But Bennett, speaking to The Chronicle, stated: "I've heard nothing from Reading. I only read about it the other day when I picked up a local paper over here in Cork.

"But it doesn't really interest me right now, although things may change by January if I am not playing.

"All I want is to give pre-season a really good lash and see where that takes me. If I left now, I would always regret not giving it a real go."

Bennett was one of several new faces in Steve Staunton's Ireland squad during their recent two-match tour of the USA.