Curo Seeks First Team Return

Last updated : 09 October 2002 By Rob Cooper
Jamie Cureton
April 2001: Jamie Cureton (left) and Chairman John Madejski celebrate promotion to the First Division
Royals forward Jamie Cureton is hoping for a swift return to the first team after losing his place in the side to last seasons top scorer Nicky Forster.

After scoring six times in Reading's opening five matches to go to the top of the scoring charts Curo has gone through a barren run - not scoring in seven matches.

Alan Pardew chose to drop the 27-year-old to the bench, laying his faith in Nicky Forster instead. The former England under 21 star repaid his managers belief in him with his first goal of the campaign as Reading went on to win 3-0.

Speaking to the Reading Evening Post Cureton admitted: "I was a bit disappointed to be left out as I have played most of the games this season. But that is the manager's decision and I have to respect that.

"Obviously I hadn't scored in a few games. But I thought that I still hadn’t been doing too badly."

The 27-year-old, signed from Bristol Rovers two years ago, has netted an impressive 52 times in 107 games for the club, and 31 times in his first season with the Royals.

However, after making an explosive start to the season Curo has found goals particuarly hard to come by in recent matches.

"Seven games without a goal is definitely the longest I have gone without scoring since I have been at Reading. But it is a higher league this season so I’m not expecting to score so many.

"Fozzy has come into the team and he has taken his chance. I have now got to battle to get my place back and to keep my fitness up."

Cureton is hoping to return to the side for Reading's next league game, at home to Ipswich Town. Should he feature in the game as a former Norwich player he is sure to get a rough reception from the travelling support.