Mullins: It's been a long time coming

Reading's new signing Hayden Mullins has admitted that he has long awaited to play for his hometown club, after coming close on numerous occasions.

The 32-year old signed on loan from cash-strapped Portsmouth until the end of the season and could be made permanent when the season concludes. Mullins was born in Reading and was turned down as a youngster but after his 14-year career, he has finally joined his boyhood club.

Mullins told the official RFC site: 'It's been a long time coming really, I wanted to play for the club being local and it nearly happened last year, but didn't really come about. It's a result I've always looked for and I'm happy to see how well Reading have been doing. I'm glad to be here.'

'I'll try and back the boys up and if I need to fill in anywhere I will. I know the run that the club have been on, everyone knows that in the division - and Reading are the team to stop at the moment. My Mum lives five minutes from the ground. It's my home town and I'm happy to be here.'

Whether the former West Ham player will be included in tomorrow's squad at Barnsley is yet to be seen, but it is understood that he is currently carrying an achilles problem. If Mullins was to be selected in the squad it will be on the bench, likely to take over Jay Tabb's spot.

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