SAM Walker warned Reading FC’s goalkeepers he is ready to challenge for a first-team spot after joining on a free transfer yesterday (Wednesday).

The 26-year-old shot-stopper signed a three-year deal at Madejski Stadium after leaving Colchester United at the end of last season.

Walker, a product of Chelsea’s academy, rejected fresh terms at Colchester Community Stadium to further his career.

He revealed he opted to join Royals because of the club’s ambition to return to the Premier League and his relationship with boss Paul Clement, who he worked with at Stamford Bridge.

And Walker insisted he is ready to push for a place in Clement’s starting XI.

“I’m looking forward to getting in and getting down to business,” stated Walker, who faces competition from Vito Mannone and Anssi Jaakkola, one of whom could be set to move on.

“I made the decision as a young lad to go out and get my experience.

“I feel like a bit of an old man, but I’m still 26 so I have a lot ahead of me.

“There's lots I want to achieve so I want to work hard and see where it takes me.

“It’s going to be a different situation because I’m used to playing week in week out.

“I’m looking forward to working with Vito and pushing him and challenging like the rest of the goalkeepers.”

Reading Chronicle:

Sam Walker in action for Colchester United.

Walker was linked with a move to Bolton Wanderers.

But former Royal Phil Parkinson missed out on the shot-stopper as he opted to join the Royals.

He continued: “There have been a couple of conversations (with Clement).

“A couple of days ago it became a lot more concrete and things moved quite fast.

“I made the conscious decision to turn down the contract with Colchester. I wanted to challenge myself at a higher level and it’s worked out really well for me.

“The club speaks for itself. The facilities at the stadium and the training ground.

“It was a very easy decision for me to join Reading.”

Speaking about his relationship with Clement, Walker added: “He was my youth team coach and then the reserve team coach at Chelsea.

“It was a long time ago but I’m looking forward to catching up with him and working with him.”

Walker will join first-team training at Hogwood Park for the first time this morning (Thursday).

It is not yet known whether Walker's signing will have an impact on the future of Jaakola, Royals' other back-up goalkeeper.

Meanwhile, 30-year-old Mannone was heaviliy linked with a move back to Italy earlier in the summer.

Reading also boast a number promising shot-stoppers in Lewis Ward, George Legg and Luke Southwood.

Walker's arrival has been questioned by a number of Royals fans who feel investment should be directed in other areas of the team and especially up front following links with Brighton striker Sam Baldock.