Brian McDermott has spoken of the 'terrific bond' he enjoys with his current set of players, and says he has plenty of faith in the current squad.

The Royals boss saw midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson move to the Bundesliga for a club record free on deadline day, but moved quickly to add to his side with the vast experience of Ian Harte and Zurab Khizanishvili.

"We've obviously lost a fantastic player in Gylfi, but it was a big deal for the club -and straight away off the back of that we've brought in Ian Harte and Zurab Khizanishvili," said Brian.

"We missed out on a couple of players too but the emergency loan window opens up next week. I want to talk about the players we've got here, I've got faith in the players we've got, I love working with them and they've got faith in me too. It's a real good bond between us."

Between them Reading's latest defensive additions boast over 120 international caps and countless Premier League appearances, something which McDermott is sure will have a great influence at Hogwood Park.

"Last season Ian played 59 games out of 60 for Carlisle and he scored a number of really important goals for them - he's been there, seen it and done it. He's just a real humble man and he'll fit in with the group and help the youngsters and staff - he's just a really top guy.

"As far as Zurab is concerned I'm sure he'll get a great ovation against Palace. He walked in through the door and it was like an old friend returning, he's a really good player and it strengthens us in an area we were struggling in at Leicester. The squad's got some more help now which is great."

Former England international and FA Cup finalist Lee Hendrie is also training with the Royals with a view to a permanent move, and he is someone else that Brian feels will prove beneficial to the younger players at Madejski Stadium.

"Lee is a real bubbly character, I saw him play was for Sheffield United out wide and that wasn't his position.

"I believe he's a player that needs to be in amongst it in the middle of the pitch. I'm a great believer in giving people opportunities and he's hungry, I've spoken to him a couple of times and he just wants to play football, he loves his football."