MARC McNulty is determined to prove himself as a Championship striker with Reading FC.

The Coventry City forward penned a four-year deal last Friday after completing a medical.

The transfer fee was ‘undisclosed,’ but is understood to be around £1m plus add-ons.

McNulty boasted a prolific record for Sky Blues and was being chased by a string of Championship clubs.

The 25-year-old scored 23 goals in 42 league games for Coventry after joining from Bradford in January 2017 and netted for them in their 3-1 win over Exeter in last season’s League Two play-off final at Wembley.

But he is now relishing the next chapter in his career under Royals boss Paul Clement.

He said: “I signed with Coventry with the aim of getting promoted, and we achieved that the difficult way, or perhaps the best way.

"I was man of the match that day, and of course it was great to get the win. It’s one of those occasions you’ll remember for the rest of your days.

“But a massive factor in joining Reading is to challenge myself at this level and to play for a club the size of Reading. It is up to me to make that step up and see where it goes.”

McNulty showed tremendous promise as a teenager with Livingston, netting 37 times in 104 games. He was snapped up by Sheffield United in 2014, but struggled for regular games and was loaned to Portsmouth and Bradford before finally settling in Coventry.

His performances helped Coventry win promotion back to League One last season and his arrival is likely to see young forward Sam Smith go out on loan, possibly to Oxford United.

And McNulty is certain to receive a warm welcome from Royals fans who have been crying out for a new forward, having seen Yann Kermorgant leave the club this week by mutual consent.

Reading Chronicle:

Yann Kermorgant's contract was terminated this week.

“It’s very exciting to finally be here,” he beamed. “Things have been rumbling on for a couple of weeks, but to finally be here is brilliant.

“I had a chat with the manager and he was brilliant. When I got off the phone I felt really good about myself so I can’t wait to get started.”

Royals only avoided relegation from the Championship on the final day last season after a 0-0 draw at promoted Cardiff City.

But McNulty, who scored 28 goals for Coventry in all competitions last term, expects Clement’s side to bounce back this time round.

“Last season was a bit of a blip for Reading,” he stated. “This is a massive club with a good manager, who is bringing in his own players.

"I’m buzzing to get going. I’ll always give 100 per cent and work hard for the team. I’ve come here to score goals.”

Reading face Fulham at Aldershot Town tomorrow in their next pre-season friendly (1.30pm ko).