Howard committed to Royals

Brian Howard has ruled out a return to Southampton, insisting he is focused on Reading's promotion push.

Midfielder happy to stay at Madejski

Brian Howard has ruled out a return to Southampton, insisting he is fully focused on Reading's promotion push. The midfielder, a former Sheffield United and Barnsley player, revealed on Monday the Saints were interested in bringing him back to St Mary's. However the 28-year-old is adamant he will not be returning to the club where he began his career, despite struggling for consistency since arriving at the Madejski Stadium in 2009. "When I have (played), I think I've performed well," said Howard. "There has been a lot of speculation about me going elsewhere but as far as I'm concerned I'm a Reading player. "I'm joint top of the assists here, we've got games to go and I'm available. "Hopefully I can play my part in getting this team into the play-offs. I think a few teams will be looking at us."