Reading boss Brian McDermott is delighted he kept hold of Ian Harte this season.

After the highs of playing in a Champions League semi-final with Leeds, Harte's career took a nosedive when he was released by Blackpool and then joined League One Carlisle.

But he moved to the Madjeski in the summer of 2010 and now, at 35 and back in the Premier League, he is proving his left foot is as deadly as ever.

McDermott said: "You'd be amazed how much time he still spends on the training ground practising his set-pieces. That's the key - if you don't practise, you don't get better. He does and he is a great example for young people.

"Ian has earned the right to play in the Premier League."