Royals boss believes Frenchman will add vital experience to the team

The 34-year-old Frenchman penned an 18-month deal yesterday after joining from Bournemouth for around £500,000.

There were question marks over Kermogant's fitness levels after making just 11 appearances for the Cherries this season.

But Royals boss McDermott hinted he could be ready to make his club debut in Saturday's home clash against Sheffield Wednesday (3pm ko).

“I spoke with Eddie Howe about him being 34, but that's just a number with Yann,” McDermott explained.

“He's a really fit guy. I've done a lot of homework on him, I've known him for quite some time.

“He's come in and he's ready to play straight away, that's not a problem.”

McDermott also believes Kermorgant will add some vital experience to the Reading dressing room having won the Championship title with Bournemouth last season.

Jason Roberts made a similar impact at Reading when he signed from Blackburn Rovers in 2012 before McDermott's men went on to win promotion to the Premier League a few months later during his previous spell as manager.

“Yann is his own man,” stressed McDermott. “He's scored goals in the Championship and everything about him is the right fit.

“He's really fit and strong and brilliant in the air. He will really help our youngsters as well.

“I remember when Jason Roberts came here and he gave the whole place a lift.

“I'm sure that will be the case again. We've had two new players come through the door this week and you can sense there has been a lift.”

He added: “We didn't do the deal for Yann until eight o'clock last night and I had a great conversation with him.

“I always believe your team or club is only as good as its experienced players. If you have good character the youngter players look up to them, that's vitally important.

“I think we have really good characters in that dressing room now who the younger ones can aspire to both on and off the pitch.

“Yann conducts himself well and certainly does things the right way.

“He scores goals, he's as good in the air as I've seen, he's terrific in both boxes and that will be really important for set plays.

“He brings a lot to the squad. I spoke to Eddie and he said we've got ourselves a really good player.

“Again, I'm delighted he's signed for us.”

Kermorgant was Reading's second signing of the week following the capature of Manchester City's George Evans on a three-and-a-half year deal.

The 21-year-old can play in midfield or defence and McDermott is confident he will become a key player in the future.

“We think he's going to develop into a really strong players for us,” he said. “He's a really good guy.

"He is 6ft 2ins, he can pass and tackle, he scores a few goals. Theres a lot to like about George.

“It's a good signing for Reading, for now and the long term.”

Reading have also been linked with Polish striker Deniss Rakels, with reports in his homeland suggesting a £400,000 fee has been agreed with Cracovia Kraków.

The 23-year-old has scored 15 goals in 20 games this season, and McDermott stated: “Maybe we can get another couple of players in, we shall see.

"We're not talking to the players but we are in the process of trying to do something.”

When asked about Rakels, he replied:  “Watch this space, I dont know about that one, lets wait and see.

“There is an area of the pitch were I am looking to do something if I can.”

So far, Reading have sold Nick Blackman to Derby County for £4 million during this transfer money, while out-of-favour striker Orlando Sa is wanted by AEK Athens.