Sheppard seals Reading move

Reading FC has today confirmed the signing of Shamrock Rovers striker Karl Sheppard.

The Dublin native confirmed the news on his twitter account shortly before a club announcement. 

Sheppard is no stranger to football across the water, having begin his career playing with Everton. His time in England didn’t work out however, and he found himself back in Ireland playing with Galway United at the beginning of the 2010 season.

After a good season with the Tribesmen, which including two goals in Dalymount Park in a 2-1 win over Bohs, Sheppard had done enough to secure a contract with league Champions Shamrock Rovers.

In his one unforgetable season with the Hoops, Sheppard played in all 5 games of the successful Setanta Cup campaign, scoring three goals en route to his first senior medal. The Tallaght outfit also retained their league title, with Sheppard scoring vital goals in the run, namingly in the Carlisle Grounds against Bray.  

However, Shamrock Rovers and Karl Sheppards highlights of 2011 will surely be the terrific Europa League campaign, which saw Sheppard pit his wits againts teams like Tottenham Hotspur, Rubin Kazan and PAOK, scoring against the latter. 

Speaking to Reading FC official website, Sheppard was delighted with the Irish tradition at Reading. "It was massive, seeing the likes of Kevin Doyle and Shane Long come over and do well, and Hunty as well, it's a good thing. The history of bringing good Irish players through is something that intrigued me into coming here. There was interest from a few other Championship clubs as well but once I heard that Reading were in, there was only one club for me."

Sheppard, who will wear the number 21 shirt, is hoping his fitness will come soon so he can break into the first team. "I'm buzzing for it, I can't wait - it's been a month since my last game so getting fitness is obviously something that I need to do and then hopefully I can break into the team."