McDermott - Pav just fab

Pavel Pogrebnyak: Will fit in well at Reading, according to Brian McDermott

h3>Boss thinks Russian striker will fit in well at Reading

Reading boss Brian McDermott has hailed the character of Pavel Pogrebnyak, believing he will fit in well with the Royals next term.

The Premier League new-boys have spent time pursuing the Russian striker, helped by Reading's new Russian owner Anton Zingarevich, after the 28-year-old failed to agree a deal with Fulham following six goals in 12 appearances for the Cottagers last term.

McDermott believes Pogrebnyak, who is due to attend a work permit hearing this week, will fit in well with his side as they bid to stay in the top flight next term.

The Reading boss told the Daily Mirror: "The owner had a chat with Pavel about six weeks ago, towards the end of last season. I met him, too.

"What more drew me to him was that he is a good person. A good character. He works really hard for the team and fits into what all of my players have shown over the last season."
Brian McDermott Quotes of the week

"He took a long time. He showed us a lot of respect and we're delighted to get him. It shows where we are going as a club.

Great transfer

"He's a great transfer for us. An excellent player.

"But what more drew me to him was that he is a good person. A good character. He works really hard for the team and fits into what all of my players have shown over the last season.

"We kept talking over those six weeks. We needed him to know how important it was to us to get him. That was made very, very clear."

McDermott also hailed Zingarevich's input in the transfer, saying: "Obviously, it was an advantage to me that Anton is Russian and could speak to him.

"But I wouldn't say we brought him in because he is Russian. He fits the bill. He fits the mould of what we want."