Defender relishing Madejski return

Reading left back Nicky Shorey has said he is looking forward to returning to the Madejski Stadium and hopes to earn his chance to play.

The 31-year old rejoined the Royals last month on a free transfer, following his release from West Brom in October. The former England international enjoyed the best playing days of his career at the Madejski Stadium and he looks forward to performing in front of the same crowd that encouraged his England call-up back in 2007.

Speaking to the Reading Post, Shorey said: "It will be amazing to get back on the pitch at Madejski Stadium. Things are moving forward. It`s nice for the club to be back in the Premier League and to get back like they have is an amazing achievement. I enjoyed so many years there. It will be a bit of a funny feeling as well, but one that I`m looking forward to.'

'Hartey has done ever so well in the past two years at Reading and it will be a good fight for the place. I`m optimistic that I will get a chance to try and do well. We`re all in it together and it`s a long season. I know as well as anyone that you don`t get to play all the time and you just have to be ready when you get the chance."

It is highly expected that Ian Harte will start against Stoke on Saturday, but Shorey is likely to get his chance in the Capital One Cup against Peterborough at the end of August. Do Royals fans agree with McDermott in favouring Harte over Shorey? Or does Shorey have more of a point to prove to the Royals fans when he left in 2008?

Wiki page: Nicky Shorey

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