Reading's Hope Akpan hoping for positive start

Reading midfielder Hope Akpan has revealed that he "can't wait" to begin the Championship campaign this weekend.

The Royals, who were relegated from the Premier League last season, open their season at home to Ipswich Town on Saturday.

He told the club's official website: "We've waited all summer for the league to come around again. Hopefully we can start well, kick on and do well.

"Pre-season went really well, the lads have taken on board what the manager is trying to do.

"There are some good signs that we are progressing and we can't wait to press on with the season."

Akpan joined Reading from Crawley Town in 2012.