Iconic striker Shane Long admitted that he is optimistic about the season ahead after picking up three points against Cardiff City on Saturday.

Starting his first league match for the Royals in 11 years, the fan favourite notched on his return after tucking away a penalty earned by Tom Ince.

Ince Jr, son of manager Paul, then stole the show with a stunning long-range strike to take the lead and ensure a first win of the season.

Talking to the club after win, Long beamed: "As a striker it is always good to get off the mark and get that first goal.

“I feel like I have been training well and feel fit and healthy and the longer you go into a season without scoring it can get on your back so hopefully it will be the first of many to come.

“I put a lot of pressure on myself before the game to make an impact and the reception I got from the fans added to that pressure as I really wanted to deliver.

“There was a little bit of nerves, I’m not normally nervous when taking a penalty but being in front of the Reading fans again with all those good memories I wanted to reward them with a goal.”

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Now up to 10th in the league, many expect the Berkshire club to be battling near the bottom after navigating a transfer embargo and injury crisis.

However, the 35-year-old admitted that he is feeling good about this coming season.

"In this league anybody can beat anybody," he started. "Everybody has a chance in every game so when you do get your chance you’ve got to make it count.

"We’ve got a good squad in there, and a few injuries to come back to add to that to push for places and I am quietly confident about what the squad had bring this season."