Ex Leeds United and West Brom star sends Paul Ince warning amid Shane Long's Reading FC return

Former Leeds United, West Brom and England midfielder Carlton Palmer believes Shane Long is a 'brilliant addition' for Reading, but has sent a warning to boss Paul Ince about the striker.

Long completed his Royals return last week, 17 years after making his debut for the club and 11 years after leaving.

The 35-year-old had been a free agent following his release by Southampton and he penned a one-year contract at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

Palmer says there is a lot to like about the striker going back to Reading, a club where he enjoyed plenty of success in his first stint between 2005 and 2011. However, he has warned Ince he may not be able to rely on the veteran week in, week out, when the Championship gets going next weekend and the boss' priority should be about keeping the Irishman fit as much as possible.

"I think it’s a good signing for Paul Ince," said Palmer to Football League World about the transfer. "He’s going back to a club which he left 11 years ago, so there’s a feel-good factor about that. I believe he’s great in the dressing room. You’ve seen when he plays, he works tirelessly for the team.

"[But] The question will be, at 35, how fit is Shane Long? How many games can he play? The Championship is unforgiving. If he can stay fit, I think he’s going to be a brilliant addition to the club."

Reading get their season under way next Saturday (July 30) against Blackpool at Bloomfield Road (3pm kick-off). Royals then host Cardiff City and Stevenage (in the Carabao Cup first round) before heading back on the road to face Rotherham United on Saturday, August 13.