Reading boss Nigel Adkins has called on Pavel Pogrebnyak to make the most of his "fresh start" with the Royals.

The 29-year-old was linked with a move away from the club this summer following their relegation to the Championship, but he will now remain at the Madejski until at least January.

"With the window open there were lots of speculation about Pavel leaving or whatever," Adkins told the club's official website. "We've got an international Russian striker who has played in the Premier League and scored goals. It's fair to say he's had a disappointing period but it's a fresh start for him.

"We've had a conversation, we've done one-on-ones with the players this week. Again the mindset, the togetherness we need and the expectation of what is required is that we pull in the same direction and we get ourselves right to where we want to be.

"Maybe with the window closing now - it's human nature that people do move round - maybe some of the players that could have had outside influences, will give it everything they've got for the football club."

The Russian scored eight times for Reading last season.