READING manager Steve Clarke has hailed Chris Gunter’s consistency after extending the contract of the Wales defender.

The 25-year-old from Newport’s deal was due to expire at the end of the season but the Royals have taken up their option of an additional year, keeping the former Cardiff, Tottenham and Nottingham Forest right back at the Madejski Stadium until the summer of 2016.

Gunter, who will feature for Wales in Israel this weekend, has made more than 100 starts for Reading since joining from Forest three years ago.

Clarke said: “Chris is an important member of the first team squad and, once I knew there was an option to extend Chris’ contract, I asked the club to take it up immediately.

"Consistency of performance is what every manager wants from his players and Chris delivers consistently good performances.”