Thursday 10 September 2015 20:03, UK
Steve Clarke is hoping some of the Euro 2016 feelgood factor will rub off on Reading.
Clarke has welcomed back Hal Robson-Kanu and Chris Gunter from international duty after they helped put the Welsh on the brink of Euro 2016 qualification.
Oliver Norwood is also back with the Royals, having played a key role in Northern Ireland's rise to the top of their qualifying group, and Clarke says the trio are buzzing ahead of Friday night's Sky Bet Championship clash at home to Ipswich, live on Sky Sports 5 HD from 7pm.
"I saw them all get a bit of a run-out. The Welsh boys obviously come back in a great frame of mind as they're almost there," Royals boss Clarke told the club website.
"Ollie will be coming back in a positive frame of mind with Northern Ireland having almost qualified, which is great because they bring that feelgood factor into the club and that's what we want.
"There is a good feel about the place after finishing with a good win (against Brentford) just before the international break. It was a decent transfer deadline day for us and there is a lot of optimism for the future."
Deadline day saw Clarke seal season-long loan deals for winger Ola John and strikers Matej Vydra and Lucas Piazon.
"The new boys are settling in very well and have settled quickly, they've joined in with sessions straight away," he added.
"It's going to be difficult for me to make some decisions, I've got a lot of players now, especially in forward areas so there is great competition for places."
Victory at the Madejski Stadium would move Ipswich to the top of the table ahead of Saturday's fixtures, and manager Mick McCarthy has striker David McGoldrick available after he pulled out of the Republic of Ireland squad with a groin problem.
"I'm feeling sharp now and I feel like I'm getting back to my best," McGoldrick told Town's website.
"Injuries come with the game but hopefully I can have a good season both for myself and especially for Ipswich."
Watch Reading v Ipswich Town in the Sky Bet Championship live on Sky Sports 5 HD from 7pm on Friday night.
