Jem Karacan: Reading skipper close to ending injury nightmare

Karacan has not played since injurying his knee 13 months ago

Reading captain Jem Karacan says he is close to making his return from a knee injury after more than a year out.

The midfielder, 25, suffered a knee injury in September 2013 but revealed he is on the "final steps" of his recovery.

"I've started training, am nearly at full contact and am pushing to get back as soon as I can," Karacan told BBC Radio Berkshire.

"It's been tough and, hopefully, I'm on the final steps of the ladder."

Karacan's return will be a vital boost for Reading, who earned a morale-boosting 3-0 victory over Blackpool on Saturday.

That ended a winless run of seven games, including two successive 3-0 defeats.

"We knew we had to get a positive result, the boys did great and we move on," Karacan added.

"It's great for the defence to get that clean sheet - they are delighted and bouncing again.

"You win one game and the mood changes."