Harte wants to win new RFC deal

Reading defender Ian Harte is aiming to win a new contract with the Championship side, with his current deal running out this summer.

The 34-year old left back has been in superb form in recent months, despite losing his spot to Joseph Mills at the start of the season. He has scored three goals this season and is desperate to have one last crack at the Premier League, where he has played the majority of his career.

Harte told Jonny Fordham of the Evening Post: ‘I`m absolutely loving it. We`ve got a team unit all fighting for each other. We can only go in one direction and that`s up. There are no big stars in our team. The players that have come in have fitted in nicely. The gaffer is probably the calmest manager I`ve ever worked under.’

‘If it is to work out here, which I would love as all my family have moved down, it would be amazing. I have just got to play as well as I can and it`s up to the management to decide if I am to get a new contract. If I did get one, I would be delighted, if not then I just have to wish them all the best.’

The former Republic of Ireland international is now preparing to face his former side Leeds tomorrow, for whom he scored 28 goals in 213 games. Harte also hasn’t given up on a possible recall to the Republic of Ireland squad in the build up to Euro 2012.

Reading have been gifted with several talented left backs over the past few years with the likes of Nicky Shorey, who currently has two England caps to his name. Also Ryan Bertrand, who is now on the verge of the first team at Chelsea.