Royals Director Of Football Nick Hammond has heaped praise on the Club's summer signings.

Noel Hunt and Chris Armstrong have become first team regulars since joining from Dundee United and Sheffield United respectively, while former Cork City man David Mooney was beginning to find his feet in recent weeks.

Nick said, "I remember going up to see Noel with Brian McDermott as he played against Rangers at the end of the season in front of 40,000. Every Rangers fan booed his every touch and at that point we thought 'he'll do for us!'

"Chris Armstrong has so far proved to be an excellent signing. He is just a fantastic professional, he's very low maintenance and gets on with his job.

"Unfortunately David Mooney has picked up an injury just as he was starting to transition. It takes time and he's scored goals for the reserves in recent weeks.

"In the summer we lost three players who did a fantastic job for us over a period of time and were very much part of the success we had and the history of Reading Football Club.

"They did tremendously but we have replaced them with three players who want to be here and are hungry for success. And with the younger players coming into the squad, they have re-energised the football club."