EX-MIDDLESBROUGH manager Aitor Karanka fears Reading FC could struggle to emulate last season’s achievements this time round.

Karanka believes Jaap Stam’s men could suffer a lingering hangover from their heartbreaking defeat to Huddersfield Town in the Championship play-off final in May.

Royals defied their critics by finishing third in the Championship table last season and two places higher than the Terriers during Stam’s first year as manager.

But it was David Wagner’s Huddersfield who won the play-off final on penalties to seal promotion to the Premier League.

And Karanca knows how difficult it can be to recover from such a hammer blow after Boro were beaten at the same stage two years earlier.

The Spaniard said: "I know how tough it is to lose the play-off final. But I can’t imagine how hard it must be to lose on one penalty.

"For that reason I think it will be a tough season for Reading.

"From my point of view, they won’t be fighting for the play-offs this season - though others might think I’m making a big mistake."

Reading Chronicle:

Reading's Jordan Obita sums up the feelings of the players after losing to Huddersfield at Wembley in May.

Losing out at Wembley meant Royals saw out-of-contract midfielder sign for Huddersfield over the summer, while goalkeeper and two-time Player of the Year winner Ali Al-Habsi moved to Al-Hilal after the Saudi club triggered a £300,000 release clause.

Boro were also hopeful of signing Reading right-back Chris Gunter after activating a £1m clause in his contract, only for the Wales international to pen a new three-year deal with Royals.

Karanca also told The Sun newspaper: "Chris Gunter is someone I think Middlesbrough tried to sign.

“He’s a player with good experience and it was important Reading kept him. He’s the kind of player coaches love."

Reading launch their 2017/18 Championship campaign with a trip to QPR this Saturday (3pm ko).