Reading have announced the signing of Andy Carroll on a short-term contract.

The 33-year-old will be in Berkshire until at least mid-January, adding to the eight match spell he had last season in which he netted twice.

A former England international, he had been training with the club last week and has now committed his short-term future to the club.

Speaking on the signing, manager Paul Ince said, “I am really pleased to have Andy with us. Of course, a striker of his prowess gives us power and a battling presence at the top of the pitch and I’m sure that will translate into goals. However, Andy’s arrival also offers us another strong voice in the dressing room. He is a leader, both on and off the pitch, and having trained with us all this week I can already see the positive influence he will have on the players around him and the boost he will no doubt give to the fans.”

Head of Football Operations, Mark Bowen, added: "Andy is a striker with proven pedigree and so much experience in the game. It is also so important that he is a player who already knows this club and the fight we will need to show to rise to the challenges we expect to face during the course of this season. And, above all else, Andy is a top-class professional. So I’m delighted he has chosen to return to Reading!”