Reading newcomer Shaun Goater faced a triple challenge in the first outing for his new club in the English First Division last Saturday.

Searing heat, dogged opponents and fitness that fell short of 100 percent combined to make his debut more of a sweat than the Bermudian imagined but, he says, there's a lot to draw upon for the season.

“I thought my link-up play was very good - I was pleased with that - but I wasn't a threat around goal. I didn't have any opportunities. I'll look to improve on that,” he said, assessing his 60-minute campaign.

Noting he had hardly played competitive football prior to the drawn (1-1) season-opener between Reading and Ipswich, Goater acknowledged being “a couple of games behind” his team-mates in fitness. Scorching heat did nothing to help him.

“The temperature on the pitch was 98 degrees (Farenheit) and in England the game is fast and we still play at the same pace as we play when it's a cool day. That was challenging because throughout the pre-season I only had 45 minutes in Man City's first pre-season game which was four weeks ago.

“Prior to that, it was just general training and everyone knows that you need games to actually get fit and I wasn't actually playing because Keegan didn't want me getting injured with the possibility of moving on,” said the striker who transferred from Manchester City two weeks ago.

Goater found himself with lots of ‘company' each time the ball came his way and therefore had little room to manoeuvre towards goal. Ipswich's intentions to keep him out of the game were quite clear, he added.

“Yes, they were on me. Whenever I was in the area they were calling to ‘pick up Goater' but I know that's to be expected and I've got to work hard to get free.”

Despite his experience and goal-scoring record, the 33-year-old admitted having some nerves before going into battle, attributing this to his high expectations of himself. Such a feeling is “good” he said as “it keeps me on edge - on my toes - and always wanting to do well”.

Though it's still early days, Goater was impressed by Reading's showing, especially considering Ipswich's reputation for being “difficult to beat” at home.

He is now looking to sharpen his form and be a regular contributor to his team's cause. In addition, he wants to ensure he gets several encores of Saturday's reaction from fans.

“It was a good reception. They were singing ‘Feed The Goat' so I'll be looking to try and score a goal so they can sing it and really feel it.”

In that regard, he will be putting in extra work with a specialist at the club.

“We've got a chap here who will be helping me with my progress and fitness to make sure I catch up as soon as possible.

“He really scares me actually. He's a stats (statistics) man. He looks at games and how you've produced in the games, the runs you make and your recovery rate. He's got heart monitors and all kinds of stuff. I'm looking forward to working with him. He is very technical with regards to fitness,” said Goater who enjoyed a brief reunion with his old City manager Joe Royle - now in charge at Ipswich - after his debut.

Looking ahead to his next test - in tonight's League Cup fixture against non-league side Boston United - the pro footballer expects the opposition will be “really up for it because they might think our gaffer could be interested in one of their players”.

“They will try to get one over on us. We have to make sure we match them and after their initial burst then our football should come out on top.”