Shaun Goater is expected to make his debut in Reading's first match of the new season against Ipswich at Portman Road this Saturday.

However, boss Alan Pardew says the 33-year-old needs to step up his fitness over the next few days in order to be ready for the challenge.

“His fitness needs to come on a bit more so he will be working hard with Niall Clark (the club's sports scientist) each day this week,” said the Royals manager.

Pardew said he hoped Goater's presence at the club would help Reading attract other big name players.

“He is a big star. In the football world we are not looked upon as one of the most glamorous clubs but we are trying to get there and this is a major step for us,” he said.

“We want to attract more big name players and Shaun will hopefully be the first of many. We need a figurehead, someone who can cajole us through some games and give us the experience we need.

“Not only is he a great player but he has a fantastic personality. He fits right into the infrastructure we have here. I am genuinely very excited he is here.”

Goater, who was honoured with the MBE in the New Year's honours list for services to sport and young people in Bermuda, turned down several other clubs in order to join the Royals, including Sunderland, Sheffield United, Wigan and Nottingham Forest.

He spent two days in Reading last week before deciding to make them his sixth club.

Goater said: “It was a matter of coming down here for two days and sleeping on it and then I realised Reading was going to be the place for me.

“The gaffer said he can improve me as a player and I said ‘yes, this is the place for me'. I want to learn and I am willing to learn.

“This is an interesting challenge for me and for all of us to see if we can get out of this division. I am looking forward to getting going.”