READING FC winger Garath McCleary is set to miss the start of the coming season after going under the knife.

The fleet-footed forward, who has been plagued with serious injuries for several seasons, has suffered another set-back.

But McCleary, who made his 200th appearance for Reading last season, has vowed to recover.

The 31-year-old missed the end of the 2017/18 campaign after he suffered a broken ankle in the 3-1 defeat to Sheffield United at Madejski Stadium.

His recovery did not go as expected and he was advised to have surgery to help the bone heal.

The Jamaican international said: "After a long period and with no operation we came to a situation where the bone hadn't healed as we had hoped/expected.

"I left no stone unturned but sometimes these things don't work out as planned.

"Obviously there is huge disappointment but it won't stop my drive and determination that's seen me through many a set back throughout my career.

"So my rehab has recommenced and trust me when I say I can't wait to be back."

The 31-year-old urged supporters to stop and have a chat with him if they spot him training in the gym.

His rehab will be carefully monitored by Royals' head physio, Jon Urwin.

Urwin added: "Garath underwent ankle surgery on Monday morning and, as a group, we will now be able to guide him through the rehabilitation process step by step and get him back into first-team action as soon as we confidently can.”