Last updated on .From the section Reading

Anton Ferdinand made just one start in his first season at Reading

Reading defender Anton Ferdinand is keen to make up for lost time as he bids to put an injury-hit first season with the club behind him.

Ferdinand, 30, made just one start last season for the Championship side after signing a two-year deal in August 2014.

The former West Ham and QPR player trained with MLS side Chicago Fire over the summer to improve his fitness.

"My body is hopefully prepared for the battles and vigorous games that are coming," he told BBC Radio Berkshire.

Ferdinand has featured heavily for Reading in pre-season at centre-back and hopes he can establish himself as a regular starter under manager Steve Clarke.

"I think it's going to take a few competitive games for me to feel like my normal self again," he added.

"It's nice to be out there, getting involved, getting minutes on the pitch and getting games into my legs.

"I'm confident in my ability and confident if given the opportunity to play and stay fit, I'll be able to show people what I'm about."