Reading manager Veljko Paunovic has explained the rationale behind his decision to leave France youth international of Nigerian descent Michael Olise on the bench during his side's goalless draw with Preston North End on Sunday.

Olise had been rated as doubtful for the match after suffering a shoulder injury against Coventry City in the penultimate matchday.

Paunovic revealed that it would be a risk handing game time to the teenager as he could suffer a potential long term injury.

Olise has been unarguably Reading's standout young player in the current season, with a goal involvement of 12 (4 goals, 8 assists), bringing him to the attention of top clubs in the Premier League.

"For Michael, he is our diamond in the run and we have to be careful, especially when he has issues - not a big injury but if there is a risk we can lose him for the long term then we cannot [take it]," Paunovic said at the post-match press conference.

"He has to be the last decision. I thought there was a risk he could get knocked and could be exposed to a long term injury which didn't want to happen.

"If we can manage him to be pain free for the next game that's going to be perfect."

Olise has started seventeen of his 23 appearances in the Championship this season, logging 1,545 minutes.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel