`Harper was a Jem of a guy'
Anthony Smith • Published 3 Dec 2009 14:00
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JEM Karacan says James Harper's exit has left a massive hole in Reading's dressing room.
And midfield ace Karacan will be doing everything he can to put a smile on his old mate's face this weekend.
Harper, one of the last remaining characters left from Steve Coppell's reign, has gone to Sheffield United this season and is certain to leave Royals for good next summer.
And nothing would please the exiled midfielder more than seeing Reading beat their Steel City rivals at Hillsborough on Saturday.
Karacan is likely to return to the starting line-up in place of broken-jaw victim Brian Howard who joined Royals from the Blades in August.
"Everyone misses Harps being around the place," admitted Karacan, 20. "I've spoken to him a few times recently and I know he's doing alright up there.
"I'm expecting a bit of banter with him this week and I'm sure I'll hear from him. All I know is I really miss him. He was a brilliant help with me when I was growing up.
"But life goes on and we do still keep in touch and everyone is happy for him."
Harper helped Royals do the double over Wednesday last season when they hammered the Owls 6-0 at home before winning 2-1 at Hillsborough thanks to goals from Kevin Doyle and Shane Long.
"I remember beating them 6-0 at our place last season when their keeper made a `worldy' save from me, I was fuming about that," stated Karacan.
"But they're a good team and in this league anyone can beat anyone."
And despite the Owls' poor home record of three wins, two draws and four losses, Karacan knows Royals must be stronger than last weekend when they lost 2-1 at Derby County after surrendering the lead.
"After going on a little run we thought we could cope when we went in front," admitted Karacan. "But we've got to move on and hopefully we can get three points this Saturday.
"My brother's a Blackburn season ticket holder and I saw them play at Sheffield Wednesday when I was younger. The support they get is crazy, everyone goes on about their fans and how good the atmosphere is.
"It will be brilliant to pull on the shirt there and I'm really looking forward to it."
Howard's injury has freed up a place in midfield for Karacan. Brynjar Gunnarsson or Kalifa Cisse.
But Karacan senses this is his chance to earn a long run in the side.
"Brian has been brilliant for us but hopefully I can come in and do the job if the gaffer asks me to," explained the Turkey Under 21 star.
"Then if it goes well it would be nice to keep that shirt for the rest of the season.
"I thought I'd done alright at the start of the season but Brian and Marek Matejovsky have done well in there. Now I just want to get my place back.
"It has been frustrating being on the sidelines but the team was doing well."
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