Reading are poised to buy out the remaining year of Shaun Goater's contract, signalling a positive end to the "worst season" of his career.

Goater, who made his debut for loan side Coventry in a friendly on Thursday night, now appears to have played his final game for the Royals with the club almost certain to find a way to avoid taking him back.

The Bermudian striker sealed a transfer-deadline switch to the Sky Blues for the final seven games of the season to help Micky Adams' side avoid relegation, but whether they retain a place in the Championship or not, Goater appears not to be going back to the Madejski Stadium.

"I had a conversation with Shaun a few weeks ago and he wanted to wait until the summer to make any decision and we will talk to him again and revisit his contract," said Reading's director of football Nicky Hammond.

"He has not played the majority of this season, so common sense suggests it's unlikely he'll feature next year and Shaun has made it clear he wants to carry on playing football.

"Steve (Coppell) has made it clear that there are a number of other strikers ahead of him and that he is not the future

"Hopefully we can find a solution and reach an agreement and pay him off. That could suit everyone."

Hammond also denied that the ?50,000 Reading would have to pay Manchester City if Goater made his 50th appearance ? he has been stuck on 49 since January ? was the reason Goater did not play for Coppell, whose side are battling to stay in the play-off hunt.

"The ?50,000 is a separate issue, but the club has never put any pressure on the manager not to play him and he has always been available for selection," Hammond added.

Goater is adamant, however, that he will not discuss his long-term future until the end of the season.

"I am going to worry about that sort of thing in the summer," said Goater, his spirits lifted by the opportunity to play "meaningful first team football" after almost an entire season of being left waiting in the wings.

"There are matches to be played and that is all I can think about now. I have a job to do, all those other issues are something to talk about in the summer, when the football is over."

Until the end of the season, it is understood Coventry are paying a percentage of Goater's rumoured ?8,000 a week wages and that, if the Goat performs, there is a chance of a permanent deal.

Goater made his debut in a Coventry shirt on Thursday in a testimonial game against non-league Worcester City, although his late arrival at St. George's Lane meant only a place on the bench.

Goater came on in the 46th minute for Dele Adebola and despite the 'Feed the Goat and he will score' chants from the excitable fans on the terraces, the former Man City talisman only really had one chance to give them what they wanted on his debut.

After 67 minutes, the Goat was put through by Eddie Johnson but fired wide from ten yards out.

Meanwhile, former team-mate Adie Williams is singing the praises of the Goat, with whom he will commute the 70-minute journey to Coventry for training every day.

"He's done everything in the game," said the former Reading captain who joined the Sky Blues midway through the season.

"He's scored loads of goals at the highest level and it's a shame that it's fallen a little flat for him at Reading because of the appearance clause in his contract.

"He's a fantastic finisher and probably the best natural finisher I have seen. He always hits the target and if he doesn't score, he forces the 'keeper to save.

"Everyone knows the name Shaun Goater and everyone knows what he's done in his career, particularly during his time at Manchester City. He's a goalscoring legend, has an excellent touch and can also link play as well as scoring.

"He's not a loud character but he's experienced and speaks to people and gives them advice on how he sees the game.

"He's a good, positive signing for us. Hopefully the Goat can slot straight into the side and show us the kind of quality he has ? he's a great addition."