Alex Pearce feels he is turning up the heat on Reading’s established central defenders.

The 19-year-old Academy product once again showed his potential in last week’s 2-1 win at Dagenham and Redbridge in the first round of the Carling Cup.

And Pearce’s hopes of breaking into the first team have been boosted by the knowledge that Sam Sodje and Alan Bennett are not in manager Steve Coppell’s plans, while Michael Duberry is currently sidelined by a hamstring injury.

Pearce told the Post: “Maybe I have gone up in the pecking order. I don’t know.

“Hopefully I am closing the gap and getting better – although you would have to ask the manager that.

“I feel confident in myself and know I can come in and do a job for the team, but it’s down to me to play well. I also have to train hard every day and then I might get my rewards.

“Cup runs could be valuable for me, but every game is a big game whether it’s in the league or the cup. I’ll use any opportunity to impress the manager.”

Pearce gave an assured display at Victoria Road last Tuesday and said: “I thought I did well. We gave a goal away which was disappointing, but we showed great character to get through.”

Pearce is expected to get another chance to impress in Reading’s Carling Cup second-round home clash against Luton Town next Tuesday.