Reading have announced that they have completed the signing of striker Karl Sheppard on a free transfer. The 20 year old joins the Royals from Shamrock Rovers and has penned a two and a half year deal at the Madjeski Stadium.
Sheppard was an Everton trainee but failed to progress at the Merseyside club and chose to return to Ireland to further his career. Prior to joining Shamrock, whom he represented with distinction in this season’s Europa League, he was with Galway United.
Reading were not the only Championship club interested in Sheppard, with Blackpool, Cardiff and Peterborough United also reportedly interested in securing his signature.
Sheppard has been capped by the Republic at U-21 level and also appeared for the League of Ireland XI when they faced Manchester City in a friendly a few months ago.
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