Sheppard moves to Reading

Following Enda Stevens' move to Aston Villa earlier this month, Shamrock Rovers have lost another of their prized assets in striker Karl Sheppard - who has joined Reading.

The Irish Under-21 international moves to the Madejski after being given the chance to showcase his talents this season in Shamrock Rovers' maiden Europa League campaign.

Brian McDermott liked what he saw and swooped for the former Everton trainee on a free, keeping in mind the successful spells of bargain buys Kevin Doyle and Shane Long, who were similarly plucked from the League of Ireland in Cork City.

The deal will be officially concluded when international clearance is received shortly, and the player has already been given the number 21 jersey at the Berkshire club.

Reading, who beat off competition from other Npower Championship clubs for Sheppard's signature, may have not got their man had Shamrock Rovers not allowed boss Michael O'Neill to take up the Northern Ireland manager's job.

Sheppard said back in December: "If Michael stays, obviously it would be big because I have worked with him and I have enjoyed it."

But with O'Neill and Sheppard going separate ways, the latter, who plays up-front, gets his chance to shine in the competitive second tier in England.