Reading legend James Harper has hinted that he might continue to play semi-professional football at the age of 42.

The central midfielder played 348 times for Reading from 2001 until 2010, winning promotion to the Championship and Premier League under legendary bosses Alan Pardew, Steve Coppell and Brendan Rodgers.

Continuing to play in the Football League until 2014 with Sheffield United, Hull City, Wycombe Wanderers and Doncaster Rovers, he has since spent a decade in the non-league circuit.

Local Berkshire outfits, such as Basingstoke Town, Hungerford Town and Ascot United, have all had the Arsenal youngster on their books in recent years.

Still setting the standards at 42, Harper has hinted that he may stay in the game once he has recovered from injury issues.

Speaking to BBC Berkshire, he said: "I played last season for my mate at Alresford Town. I played two games we lost 8-1 and then got beat 5-1 and only turned up with 10 men. I had the dreaded Achilles tendonitis and that kept me out. I’m just about right now. Patrick Cox, who used to play in the youth team, has messaged me. He’s over at Alton Town and said get over there, so I might try and get over there when I’m back fit again.

"I will be the last man standing. I play six-a-side on a Monday. The enthusiasm is going down a little bit, I’ve got to be honest. I love the game, but I don’t love the nonsense. The young kids' banter is terrible. Turn up for the game, play the game and go home. I don’t enjoy the moaning and how easy it is to get yellow cards now."

He is the final remaining member of Reading's title-winning side of 2005/06 playing football in England.