Jem willing to remain patient

Jem Karacan isn’t sure whether he will make the start of pre-season, but admits it’s great to finally get back out on the grass.

The Royals midfielder suffered cruciate knee ligament damage back in September against Leeds and has only just started light training at Hogwood again this week. While Jem admits it has been tough not being on the pitch, he is prepared to remain patient in his recovery.

Speaking to the Official Reading FC website, Jem said: ‘It`s nice to be back on the pitch, it`s been coming up to nine months now since I got the injury and it`s been tough, but just to get back on the grass again and really start getting somewhere is a nice feeling.’

‘I obviously want to get back for the first day of pre-season but I have to be patient. Think about it – you don`t run for eight months, you only walk, even a little jog is a big step up as you are getting your gait going and getting back that fluid of movement.’

It would be a massive boost to have him back for the start of the season, as Adkins has already made it clear that Jem is his sort of player. Jem playing alongside Williams and Guthrie is a very exciting prospect – they can definitely bring the best out of each other.