READING’S quest to bounce back to the Premier League at the first time of asking begins with a home game against Ipswich Town on Saturday.

The Royals, relegated to the Championship at the end of last season, are well fancied to make an instant return to the top flight after boosting their squad with the addition of former Real Madrid winger Royston Drenthe, ex-England left-back Wayne Bridge and USA international Danny Williams.

They have been installed as 9-1 second favourites for the title behind Queens Park Rangers, while bookmakers have the Berkshire side just 3-1 to win promotion at the end of the season.

Pre-season has not gone entirely to plan, with Reading losing their last three friendly games, including a 2-1 defeat away at Bristol Rovers on Sunday afternoon – but midfielder Jem Karacan says fans should not read too much into recent results.

“I don’t think we should be too disheartened from it all,” he said. “We have to learn from our mistakes, that’s what it’s all about in pre-season. The gaffer is still putting his imprint on the team and it’s going to take time – but we’re loving every minute of it and can’t wait for the Ipswich game now.”

Ipswich promise to provide a tough test at the Madejski Stadium on Saturday (kick-off 3pm). The Suffolk side improved rapidly under Mick McCarthy towards the end of last season, finishing the campaign in mid-table having been candidates for relegation at the turn of the year.

Southampton still have two weeks before their league campaign begins. They are in Spain this weekend, playing Spanish top-flight outfit Celta Vigo on Saturday night (kick-off 8pm).