Under-18s Republic of Ireland international Leavy signed with the Royals in July 2018 aged 16, and has since gone on to represent our Under-18s side in 2019-20, and our Under-23s outfit during the 2020-21 campaign.

Kian, described as an old-fashioned number 10 - started out with Drogheda Town at Under-8s level and his progress was rapid, as he moved on to Drogheda Boys, Shelbourne, St Kevin’s and St Patrick’s Athletic.

The young midfielder had been attracting interest from England’s biggest clubs since the tender age of 10, with Manchester United, Manchester City, Celtic and Tottenham Hotspur amongst his many admirers before the Royals came calling.

He actually played with the Red Devils at the Milk Cup in Coleraine, but Reading’s interest tempted the Ardee-born to opt for a move to Berkshire.