Jason Roberts hoping for Pavel Pogrebnyak partnership at Reading

Reading striker Jason Roberts has said that he hopes to form a partnership with Pavel Pogrebnyak at Reading this season despite stiff competition.

The Russian striker joined the Royals in the close season ahead of the club's return to the Premier League.

Roberts said that he thinks he can form a winning understanding with Pogrebnyak at the Madjeski Stadium.

He told Sky Sports News: "We played two up front last year and hopefully we will continue to do that.

"Pogrebnyak is a big name player who has come in and I would like to see myself up front with him. But there are other players here like Noel Hunt, Adam Le Fondre and Simon Church and other players. They will want to take their chances, as will I."

Brian McDermott's side begin their 2012-13 campaign at home to Stoke City on Saturday, August 18.