Royals skipper Graeme Murty has hailed Leroy Lita ahead of this evening's Under 21 European Championships semi-final against the Netherlands.
Leroy has scored twice in three games for Stuart Pearce's side, and Murts told readingfc.co.uk, "I think he's done exceptionally well.
"I was disappointed for him when he missed that penalty in the first game, but the way he's bounced back has been tremendous.
"He's showed fantastic character and he's now getting his just desserts, playing in the semi-final of an exciting tournament.
"Leroy is playing at the top of the game and always looks like scoring goals. For me, he's been the pick of England's strikers - and Stuart Pearce also deserves credit for showing faith in him.
"When Leroy missed that penalty, it would have been easy for him to go under and hide. But he's not that kind of person, he always wanted to show how good he is and took it all in his stride."
However, Murts couldn't resist a 'little' dig at Leroy in their ongoing height feud, quipping, "He's wearing longer studs to make himself a bit taller, but it's not fooling anyone. The watching world is realising just how short he is!"
