Reading boss Paul Ince believes striker Andy Carroll will bring "mental toughness and character" to his Royals side, if they can get the deal over the line.

After a 3-0 thrashing at the hands of Sunderland on Wednesday night, Ince confirmed that the former England striker is training with the club and that they hope to re-sign him this week.

The 33-year-old spent a short spell in Berkshire last season, scoring two in eight matches before moving to West Brom.

Speaking after the Black Cats defeat, Ince feels that the Geordie brings as much off the field as he does on it.

"He’ll be a great acquisition for us," he stated. "He’s only been on the ground a couple of days, but he’s been here before, he’s great in the changing room and he gives us that mental toughness and character. He’s another voice. Hopefully if we can get the deal done it will be great for us."

Formerly of West Ham and Liverpool, he was linked with a move to Premier League Wolves earlier in the month after there was uncertainty over Diego Costa's eligibilty in English football.