For Joseph Mendes, facing Aston Villa on Tuesday evening will bring back plenty of happy memories.
The Frenchman had struggled to make his mark for Reading last season following a summer move from Le Havre, but he burst into the limelight with a brace at Villa Park in April after being handed a shock start.
He then took his season’s goals tally to three a couple of weeks later at Burton Albion, before featuring in both legs of the play-off semi-final victory over Fulham.
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With injuries to Yann Kermorgant and new signing Jon Dadi Bodvarsson, Mendes is the only fit senior striker on the books at the club and he played 90 minutes in the 1-1 draw against Fulham on Saturday.
And the stiker is set to be involved again when Villa come to town.
“Last season I got some good memories against them, but this is the past,” said Mendes.
“I need to work hard to do the same on Tuesday.
“I feel in good shape.
“I’m happy to have given my first assist for Liam Kelly on Saturday and I need to carry on because my job is to score and give assists.
“It was a tough game against Fulham but I think we were in control.
“We made one mistake and they scored. We need to keep our heads up because on Tuesday we have a big game.
“We have to get three points against Villa.”
Mendes, 26, admits it was tough to miss out on playing any part in pre-season due to injury.
But he is more than ready to make up for lost time now and try to stake his claim for a regular starting berth, even when everybody is back to full fitness, and is relishing the chance to face Villa new boy John Terry.
“I missed all the pre-season and it wasn’t easy but I worked hard,” he said.
“I played 45 minutes in the cup game and 90 on Saturday and I felt not bad.
“I need to carry on, keep working and why not score my first goal against Villa on Tuesday?
“It will be a pleasure to play against John Terry. Everyone knows he is a legend in England, so I will do my best.”
He added: “Even if Yann was fit, I will still work and do my best because I am here and involved.
“I feel very involved in this team and with the gaffer as well.
“He gives me the confidence so I just need to do the job now.”
