Gareth McCleary (centre) has pledged his future to Reading

Garath McCleary has signed a new three-and-a-half-year deal at Reading.

McCleary had only six months left on his previous contract at the Madejski Stadium, but has pledged his future to the Royals until 2020.

The Jamaica midfielder has scored eight goals in 25 appearances this season for Reading, who sit fourth in the Sky Bet Championship table.

"I'm very happy that Garath has signed a new deal - he has been a very important player for us this season, not only in the goals that he has scored but also in the assists he has provided to others in the squad," Reading boss Jaap Stam told the club's website.

"A lot of clubs nowadays are looking for players with the qualities he has - his pace, his ability on the ball and the threat he poses in and around the opposition penalty box.

Jaap Stam is delighted to have secured McCleary to a long-term contract

"So it is great news that he has signed this new contract at the club."

McCleary has featured 169 times in total for Reading since arriving from Nottingham Forest in 2011 and has scored 25 goals.

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