Reading defender Ian Harte has admitted that he cannot wait for the new Premier League season.

The 34-year-old played a key role for the Royals as they secured the Championship title last season, and he has revealed that he is pleased that their first game is at home.

"It's nice to be at home for the first game, it's a difficult game against a team like Stoke – a big physical team," he told Sky Sports News.

"I'm looking forward to every single game, that doesn't just go for me but for everyone - it's a great challenge and I'm looking forward to it.

"But we're ready for it. I've been doing quite a bit of training myself and I'm looking forward to getting back and seeing all the lads."

Harte has 63 Republic of Ireland caps to his name.