The prolific striker, whose goals sent Crystal Palace into the Premier League, arrived last week on a short-term loan until January.

However, it is believed a move could be made permanent in the New Year for around a £1.5 million transfer fee.

By that stage Murray is confident Royals will have made up the six points currently separating them from Championship leaders Nottingham Forest and will be fighting for the top positions.

He told the Chronicle: “I had a few options out there but obviously I was taken by the deal Reading were offering.

“The start of the season has been fine, so if a few of the first team players have been missing with injuries, that can only be good.

“When we were promoted to the Premier League with Crystal Palace I think we lost our first three or four games.

“Reading have had a better start than that, so it’s definitely do-able.”

Royals took four points from their first two Championship fixtures including a victory over Ipswich Town.

But two successive defeats then followed including a 4-0 thumping at Nottingham Forest.

However, Nigel Adkins’ men responded with back-to-back wins in the space of a week at Middlesbrough and also against Scunthorpe United in the Capital One Cup.

Now 30-year-old Murray hopes to emulate the form he showed in the 2012/13 campaign when he smashed in 31 goals in 45 games for the Eagles who went up through the play-offs.

“The Championship is always a very competitive and tough league with such a massive prize at the end of it,” reflected Murray, “There are a lot of clubs pushing for that prize which makes it very difficult.

“But Reading have a good side with a good mix of young talent. If you can find the right blend it could be an exciting season.

“Winning promotion is about a whole host of things, and you need a little bit of luck as well.”

Adkins has certainly beefed up his attack in the transfer window with the arrival of Simon Cox and Jamie Mackie.

With Pavel Pogrebnyak also nearing a return to fitness, Royals appear to have plenty of options up front.

Murray, who is set to make his debut against Fulham at Madejski Stadium tomorrow (3pm ko), added: “I don’t know who I will partner. You will have to ask the manager that, but from my point of view I will play with anyone. Hopefully we can score some goals together.”

Murray missed almost the entire 2012/13 season after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in Palace’s Championship play-off semi-final against Brighton.

But he insists he is over his injury: “The knee is absolutely fine, I’ve got 100% confidence in it and I’m ready to go.

“I’m fit and I would like to start against Fulham, but that’s the manger’s discretion.

“I have not played under the manager but I have played against his teams, and I’ve always been impressed.

“Look at what he did for Southampton, where he was probably harshly done by. His record speaks for itself.”

Reading’s home fixture against Fulham begins a three-game week which also includes a home fixture against Millwall on Tuesday night (8pm ko) then a trip to Sheffield Wednesday the following Saturday.

Royston Drenthe is prevented from playing for the Owls against Reading at Hillsborough as part of his loan deal.

Tickets for Reading’s Championship fixture at Brentford go on sale next week.

The mach takes place at Griffin Park on Saturday, October 4 (3pm ko).

Tickets are in high demand and they go on sale at 9am next Wednesday (Sept 17).

Prices in the lower tier are £25 adults, £19 Over 60s and £17 students. See www.readingfc.co.uk for details.

Reading FC Women extended their unbeaten run to 12 games with a 3-0 victory against Durham Ladies in Women’s Super League 2.

Fran Kirby made it 23 goals for the season with a brace and Cheryl Williams got the other for Jane Ludlow’s side.