Turkish u21 international central midfielder who has come through the ranks at Reading to become a key member of our first team squad.

A determined, tough-tackling player but also with plenty of ability and a very good range of passing, he was courted by Turkish giants Galatasary as a youngster, as well as spending a training spell with Manchester United.

He progressed through our system and got his first taste of professional football on loan at Bournemouth & Millwall in 2007/8.

In 2008 he made his mark in Reading's first team squad, scoring his first goal for us in the Carling Cup win over Luton.

He soon forced his way into the team in the Championship, and has remained an integral part of our plans ever since. He was outstanding in our FA Cup games against Liverpool, earning rave reviews for his performances against Steven Gerrard et al.

Since that cup run Karacan has gone from strength to strength, playing 48 games in the 2010/11 campaign and scoring a goal of the season contender in a 1-1 draw with Preston North End.

Indeed his all action performances earned him third spot in the player of the season voting - an admirable achievement for a man not far past his 22nd birthday.

Continued his rock solid partnership with Mikele Leigertwood during the 2011/12 campaign, notching up his 100th league appearance for the club in the process.