Reading FC announced that fan favourite Shane Long has returned to the club, more than a decade after leaving.

Playing more than 200 times between 2005-2011, the 35-year-old was released over the summer after eight years with Southampton.

Capped 88 times for the Republic of Ireland, it is a transfer rumour that has been on the tongue of Royals fans ever since his departure, famously coming close in 2012 when manager Brian McDermott angled for a return after Premier League promotion.

Head of Football Operations, Mark Bowen, said: “When he first arrived at this club, very few fans will have known anything about Shane Long. But now, he needs absolutely no introduction to Royals supporters. A return to the club where it all began for Shane has been rumoured for a number of years, so I am delighted to have made that rumour a reality.”

Royals boss Paul Ince said, “The arrival of Shane is something of a football fairytale for Reading fans. But make no mistake about it – he is coming into the dressing room purely on the merits of what he can offer this squad out on the pitch. Experience, energy, leadership, desire and a natural instinct you need to score goals…Shane will be an important addition to the group we are patiently trying to build and grow.”