Harte looking forward to Premier League chance

Reading defender Ian Harte has admitted that he is relishing the opportunity to play in the Premier League again.

The 34-year old signed a one-year contract extension last month to ensure one last chance for Harte at Premier League football. The former Republic of Ireland international certainly has the most experience out of the entire Royals squad, having played there for many years with Leeds United.

Speaking to the official RFC site, Harte said: ‘I know there’ll be younger lads coming in but that is a football club, there are always going to be younger lads looking to take your place. But I will just do my best and make it a difficult decision for the manager to pick the first eleven to start the first game of the season.’

‘For me, my age is just a number. Some people say that when you hit 30 you’re gone nowadays, but I think I have proven that it’s not necessarily the case. I try to look after myself, try and eat the right food and do the right things in training. And I always put in 100% – I hate missing a day’s training.’

Harte has shown his defensive capabilities have not faltered due to advancing years by having a superb second-half of the season for Brian McDermott’s men, with the Royals defence being the best in the division. However, it is highly expected that Brian McDermott will bring in another left-back to provide competition for the veteran.