Reading manager Paul Ince opened up on the relationship with former captain Liam Moore, who was stripped of his armband last season.

One of the longest serving players in the squad, joining in August 2016, the former Leciester City defender has made more than 200 appearances for the Royals and was a key member of the team until midway through last season.

Sidelined with a long-term injury, the 29-year-old has not featured since Ince's arrival in February, but could potentially return after Christmas.

Reading Chronicle:

Discussing the former skipper, Ince said: "It has been a long seven months. Speaking to the lads around the place, he was a top player, the club captain., I don't know him but I've been chatting to him since he's been in and he is keen to get back. He has done all the right things, he's been in every day, done the right stuff.

"He was waiting for a report to see if he had the green light to go on to the training ground for the first time and he got the all clear to start training. So we're looking at probably another five or six weeks but if we can get him fit, he's another one we can think about for the squad come December when all the games come thick and fast.

"I don't know what the situation was. He had a bad injury and we didn't know whether he was going to play or not, that was the bottom line. But credit to him, he's dug in, showed a willingness and desire to get back on the pitch."

Reading Chronicle:

Evidently still a popular figure around the club, he returned to the grass this week, much to the delight of his teammates.

"When he came out to train, all the lads gave him a round of applause. We all love playing football but when you think at his age your career could be ended it must be the worst thought you can have so to get a round of applause from the others was a nice touch We have to be careful with him but let's see what we can do over the next three or four weeks."