BILLERICAY Town manager Craig Edwards said his challenge is to “find another gem” after his top-scoring forward Rowan Liburd was snapped up by Championship side Reading.

Liburd netted 22 goals for Billericay last season after failing to win a contact at Southend United last summer.

Reading spent much of the season scouting the 22-year-old, who spent four years on a scholarship in the USA, and brought him in for pre-season training.

Liburd scored twice for the Royals’ under-21 team in a 7-0 friendly win over Beaconsfield and that was enough for the club to offer him a two-year deal.

Edwards said: I’m absolutely delighted for Rowan. I can honestly say, when these things happen it’s every bit as rewarding as winning a cup final and with Rowan being such a fantastic young man, it’s even better.

“I don’t think that anything gives me as much satisfaction as seeing one of my players progress into the professional game.”

Edwards said Liburd, who only started playing for Town last November after recovering from a broken arm, surprised him with the strides he made in a short space of time at the club.

“He will obviously be a huge loss for us but the challenge is to go out and find yet another gem,” said Edwards. “We have a squad full of potential and hopefully they will use Rowan as a role model to follow.”

Liburd said: “I’d like to thank the players, staff, and fans at Billericay Football Club for a great season last year.

“It has been a unforgettable journey and I have learned a lot from my time at the club. I believe Billericay will go on to become at great team that will compete and win things with this squad.”

Reading’s director of football Nick Hammond said: “Rowan is a boy we hope can really develop here.

“The challenge now is for him to fulfil his undoubted potential, and we have already seen that he has an excellent work ethic and a willingness to learn. Those attributes are absolutely vital to any player who wants to make the most of themselves.”