Reading defender Ian Harte has thanked manager Brian McDermott for giving him a chance at the club.

The 34-year-old, who recently signed a new one-year deal with the Royals, moved to the Madejski Stadium from Carlisle United in August 2010.

"I'm delighted Brian gave me the opportunity to come to Reading," Harte told the Reading Chronicle.

"A lot of managers will have looked at my career and what I did with Leeds United, but that's in the past. Brian, though, spent £70,000 to bring me from Carlisle down to Reading.

"It's been the best two years of my career, for sure. To get into the Team of the Season for the third year on the trot was another bonus and it's just been an amazing time really, I can't thank the gaffer enough."

Reading gained promotion to the Premier League last season after finishing top of the Championship table.