AN EMOTIONAL Adam Le Fondre paid tribute to Reading FC after coming back to haunt the Royals on his return to Madejski Stadium, writes Courtney Friday.

Le Fondre, who scored 41 goals in more than 100 appearances for Reading, including a prolific spell in the Premier League, netted a 45th minute equaliser to cancel out Modou Barrow's goal against Bolton Wanderers.

The 31-year-old, who left Berkshire to join Cardiff City in 2014, refused to celebrate his goal and admitted it would have been disrespectful if he had.

He explained: "I've always thought that if I scored a goal here then this is one place that I would never disrespect the fans.

"I had such an amazing time here and I had a great relationship with the fans which I wouldn't want to spoil.

"I would never celebrate scoring against them."

Le Fondre joined former Reading skipper Jem Karacan and loanee Andrew Taylor in making returns to Madejski Stadium on Tuesday night.

And the Stockport-born forward said it was an emotional occasion.

"It was brilliant to come back," beamed Le Fondre.

"The fans were magnificent with me tonight, it was really heart-warming at the end when they were singing my song.

"It's a special place and I will always hold fond memories of Reading in my heart. I hope they do well but obviously I have to put Bolton first."

Bracknell News:

Le Fondre scored 41 goals for Reading FC.

The last time Le Fondre played in the same fixture, he bagged a hat-trick as Royals thrashed Wanderers 7-1.

And he admitted he could have netted another three against Jaap Stam's side.

He continued: "The keeper made a great save from me, it was a worldie, I don't normally shoot from that far out, and then I spurned a great chance which I was really disappointed with.

"But I took the goal eventually and I thought we looked threatening all night."

Le Fondre lined up against 17-year-old Tom Holmes, who made his first-team debut for Stam's side.

And the former fans' favourite backed the young defender to go on to star for the Royals.

He concluded: "First half I probably got the better of him. I think he tried to get a bit too tight on me.

"But he equipped himself much better in the second half and he looks like he'll have a good future.

"The academy at Reading is magnificent, they turn out brilliant players like Jemba (Jem Karacan) who have brilliant careers in football."