Former Reading captain Jem Karacan believes that Shane Long could be the signing of the season for the Royals.

Ending over a decade of rumours this summer, Long returned to the club that he left in 2011 and has found the back of the net once.

Despite the low scoring tally, Karacan- a former teammate of the Republic of Ireland international- feels his impact goes well beyond his performances on the pitch.

"It’s great to see Shane back," he exclaimed. "I was fortunate enough to come across him when I came back, and we had a good catch up. It’s great for everyone at the club, to have him back there.

"With the club where it was, lacking a bit of an identity, the fans can really respond to Shane. I think it was an incredible bit of business to get him in the door- it’ll be up there with signing of the season, with what he brings as a person, a leader in the group and someone who has come through at Reading."

Playing for the likes of West Brom and Southampton since his original departure a decade ago, the 35-year-old spent the entirety of his time in the Premier League.

"That’s where the lads will aspire to be," the Academy graduate said. "He’s someone the lads can look up to. If the lads aren’t learning off him, there’s something going on. Speaking to him about the group, he’s very positive and hopefully they can kick on."