Reading frontman Nick Blackman has stated that he is determined to be a key player for the club this season.

Blackman missed the Royals' opening match of the Championship season against Ipswich Town last weekend, as he served a one-match suspension for an incident that occurred while at previous club Sheffield United.

However, Blackman has said that he wants to force himself into the plans of manager Nigel Adkins.

"It took me a while to adjust when I first came to the club. It was a difficult few months for me and a really big learning curve," he told the Reading Chronicle.

"But I've had a really good pre-season and I'm raring to go now.

"My suspension is out of the way so I'm desperate to get on the pitch and show what I can do."

Blackman moved to the Madejski Stadium in January.