Reading favourite Ian Harte has labelled the current boss, Ruben Selles, 'remarkable' since arriving in the summer.

Harte, who had a prestigious top-flight career with the likes of Leeds United and Levante in the early 2000s, joined Reading in 2010 and played 99 times under Brian McDermott as the Royals reached a play-off final, an FA Cup quarter-final and won the Championship before departing in 2013.

The left-back, renowned for his set-piece ability, became a firm favourite in his relatively short stint, all coming in the swansong years of his career.

Now an agent, the former Republic of Ireland international sat down exclusively with the Reading Chronicle to discuss the current crop of Royals stars.

"It’s been tricky this season with lots of uncertainty for a young group of players," he told the Chronicle via FreeBet. "It’s important to have the senior players say ‘don’t worry about it.’ It’s remarkable what the manager has done, obviously to galvanise, get the players playing some good football and getting important results. It’s important that they survive this season.

"I loved my time down there. It’s a fantastic club and it’s unfortunate what has happened. It’s very sad."

The Royals, buoyant after news of exclusivity agreed with potential new owners, sit six points clear of the relegation zone despite having six points deducted for off-field issues for a third straight campaign.

Seven matches remain in the EFL season- the Spaniard's first campaign in charge.