Royals land Irish striker

Anthony Smith • Published 12 Jan 2012 15:30 Comments 1 Comment

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READING completed their first signing of the January transfer window this morning (Thursday) with the capture of Shamrock Rovers striker Karl Sheppard.

Royals have been tracking the Republic of Ireland Under 21 international for several months. He passed a medical at Madejski Stadium earlier this week and arrives on a free transfer.

But Reading's hierachy were quick to dispel rumours that Sheppard's arrival means they could be ready to sell one of their existing forwards.

Wales' Simon Church has been strongly linked with a move to Brendan Rodgers' Swansea City, but Royals director of football Nick Hammond insisted the is no truth in the story.

Speaking exclusively to the Chronicle, he said: "Karl will add to the squad, he's not here to replace anybody.

"We've been aware of him for a long time and he's really kicked on this season.

"He's at the age now where he is ready for a move and he is a good age too."

Sheppard, a former Everton trainee, agreed personal terms with the Royals yesterday and is likely to sign a two-year deal.

A number of rival Championship clubs including Blackpool, Cardiff City, Peterborough and Reading's opponents this Saturday, Watford (5.20pm ko, live Sky Sports), had also shown a strong interest in the 20-year-old forward.

But Reading's strong links in the Emerald Isle plus the recent success of Irish players like Kevin Doyle, Shane Long, Stephen and Noel Hunt plus Ian Harte appear to have won Sheppard over.

"He had a very good season with Shamrock and gained some European experience with them in the Europa League," stated Hammond.

"He holds the ball up well, he's an intelligent boy and he has goals in him. Hopefully everything will be tied up Thursday morning."

Sheppard helped Shamrock win the League of Ireland title this season with 10 goals in 24 appearances and he also netted against Greek side PAOK in the Europa League.

He is set to put pen to paper later today, but is unlikely to be involved in Saturday's league fixture at Vicarage Road.

Reading also have their eye on a number of other targets. Hammond confirmed: "We're always looking around, though we're conscious of the finances. If we can find a good deal we will ask the chairman and the board to move it forward.

"But if we can find a deal that will add quality to the group, we will try and sort something out."

Meanwhile, Hammond is still hopeful out-of-contract winger Jimmy Kebe will sign a new two-and-a-half year deal.

The 27-year-old will become a free agent this summer and has been linked with a move to Stoke City and West Ham United.

But Hammond stressed: "We've had discussions with the board and we have no desire to sell Jimmy in the January transfer window.

"We've made him a good offer and we hope that in time he will choose to sign it. He's a very important player for us, especially given our position in the league."

** READING'S home Championship fixture against Burnley has been brought forward to Friday, February 17 (8pm ko) and will be live on Sky Sports **

This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 12 Jan 12

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Henry Ontems
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Jan 12, 15:45
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Let's hope he brings a bit of the luck of the Irish to the team!!!

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