Brian reveals Championship interest in defender

Reading manager Brian McDermott has said Ian Harte still has a future at the club, despite not playing for over two months.

The veteran defender's last appearance came on the 16th September in the 3-1 defeat to Tottenham, before being dropped for summer signing Nicky Shorey. Harte's lack of appearances has alerted several Championship sides, with Millwall reportedly being most enthusiastic about signing the 35-year old set-piece specialist.

Speaking to Jonny Fordham of the Reading Post, the former Slough Town boss said Ian wants to fight for his place, when saying: "We`ve had four Championship clubs ask about him, but he wants to fight for his place and he wants to play. We`ve had a good conversation and he knows that if something happens to Nicky Shorey then he will play."

I don't think Harte can complain much at being dropped from the side, as he looked very much out of his depth in the Premier League, but Nicky has come in and done a very good job in my opinion. He may not have the same aerial ability that Harte possesses, but in terms of set pieces, Shorey's appear to be more consistent.

Wiki page: Ian Harte

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.