The 28-year-old forward follows former Royals striker Simon Cox to the Madejski Stadium in a double boost for boss Nigel Adkins.

Cox, 27, penned a two-year deal yesterday after his £600,000 switch from the City Ground and he will go straight into the Reading squad for tomorrow’s Sky Bet Championship opener at Wigan Athletic (3pm ko).

However, Mackie is nursing a hamstring strain at present and will be unavailable for at least one week.

Nevertheless, the duo’s arrival marks a turning point at Reading, who are also thought to be close to landing former West Ham and QPR defender, Anton Ferdinand.

They are the first signings Adkins has made since Billy Sharp joined on a short-term contract in September 2013 due to the club’s ownership uncertainty.

But with a Thai consortium led by Khunying Sasima Srivikorn on the verge of a takeover, the purse strings have been loosened at the Mad Stad.

Scotland international Mackie beamed: “This is a great opportunity for me. Speaking to the manager, I know this club have a lot of really good, young players breaking through into the first team and it feels great to be part of that.

“If myself and Coxy can add a bit of guile and experience to the group then that will be important this season. I’m excited to get going.”

Mackie picked up a Championship-winners medal with QPR and made 60 appearances during the club’s two seasons in the top flight, scoring nine times.

The former Plymouth Argyle ace joining Nottingham Forest in the summer of 2013 and made 49 league and cup appearances last season, scoring five goals.

Royals boss Nigel Adkins said: “Jamie is a player I remember watching when he was at Plymouth – he is a good age, works so hard for the team and I’m delighted to get this loan deal across the line.

“Both he and Simon Cox have experience of playing in the Championship, the Premier League and at international level and they will provide a positivity, a hunger and a desire to work hard with a group of players who have a fantastic team spirit.”

Meanwhile, Reading left-back Jordan Obita is expected to be fit for tomorrow’s curtain-raiser at DW Stadium after injuring his foot during last weekend’s 3-1 friendly defeat to Swansea City.

Midfield scheme Danny Guthrie faces a late fitness test having missed three weeks of training with a calf problem.