Reading midfielder Jeff Hendrick is hoping to pay back the supporters' warm welcome with performances on the pitch.

Republic of Ireland international Hendrick arrived last week on a season-long loan from Newcastle United and has played a key role in the last two pre-season fixtures, including notching a goal the same day he signed his contract.

Playing 60 minutes against West Ham United in a 1-1 draw on Saturday, it was the former Derby County stars first experience of playing for the Royals in front of supporters.

Speaking to the media after the match, he discussed the welcome he received from the fans.

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"For me its nice to get a warm welcome," he started. "But I need to pay them back by putting performances in on the pitch and giving everything to the game. The club’s in a bit of a sticky situation with the embargo but for me it was good to come in and help the club in whatever way I could."

"I played 45 minutes on Tuesday so to get into the 60s today was nice. I felt like I maybe could have got some more minutes as well which is good for me and there’s still a couple more games to go so time to get more minutes in the tank."

Another play who arrived in the same week was iconic forward Shane Long, who returns after more than a decade away.

READ MORE: Reading FC take former AFC Wimbledon defender on loan

A former international teammate of Hendrick, the central midfielder spoke out about the impact the 35-year-old can make.

"It’s a good body through the door with a lot of experience and one thing Shane Long gives you is hard work. He’ll do everything he can for the team on the pitch and that’s only a positive for us."