Reading Football Club can confirm that midfielder Lee Hendrie is training with the squad with a view to earning a permanent move to Madejski Stadium.

The Birmingham-born 33-year-old midfielder is currently unattached following the end of his contract at Derby County and he joined in training with Brian McDermott's men at Hogwood Park this morning.

"We have brought in Lee to have a look at him and he'll probably be in and around the squad for a little while," McDermott explained.

"I know him from his Aston Villa days, but I watched him playing out wide for Sheffield United - and that didn't seem to be his position. I believe he's a player who has got to be in amongst it in the middle of the pitch.

"I'm a great believer in giving people opportunities and, having spoken to him a couple of times, I know how hungry he is.

"He's a really bubbly character and he wants to play football - that's what he's about! So we'll see how things go."

Hendrie began his professional career at Aston Villa in 1995 and spent 12 years at Villa Park, making more than 300 appearances with the Villans as well as reaching an FA Cup Final under the leadership of John Gregory in 2000.

He scored a total of 32 goals for Villa - including strikes at Stamford Bridge, Anfield, Highbury, Goodison Park and Eastlands.

An England under-21 regular, Hendrie also earned himself one England cap in a friendly against the Czech Republic in November 1998.

After a loan spell at Stoke City in 2006/7, Hendrie moved away from the Midlands to sign for Sheffield United and whilst under contract with the Blades he also enjoyed loan stints at Leicester and Blackpool.

Last year he signed a one year deal at Derby which, after a further loan spell at Brighton & Hove Albion, came to an end this summer.