WATFORD youngster Tom Dele-Bashiru earned praise after scoring the first league goals of his professional career.

The 21-year-old midfielder - who celebrates his 22nd birthday on Friday - bagged a brace for Reading in their 3-1 triumph over Peterborough United in the Championship, on Tuesday night.

Dele-Bashiru, who has made five senior appearances for the Hornets to date having joined them from Manchester City in the summer of 2019, linked up with the Royals on loan last month.

And after his double against Posh, the youngster received praise from Royals manager Veljko Paunovic.

Paunovic told the Reading FC website: “It was a fantastic goal and a very good performance from Tom Dele-Bashiru for example.

"He was our earliest signing in the window, so he is furthest through that process – now he’s in good shape, he has learned what he needs to learn, the players around him know what he can bring to the table and…there you are.

"A great performance from him today."

After John Swift had given Reading the lead midway through the second half, Dele-Bashiru struck again for the hosts three minutes later.

He latched on to a George Puscas cross to lash in his first goal for the club.

And Dele-Bashiru stepped up again in the 88th minute, another fiercely struck effort whistling past Pym.

Dele-Bashiru has made five league and cup appearances for Reading so far, since moving there on loan from Watford.