Sheppard: 'Why I joined Reading'

Sportsdesk • Published 12 Jan 2012 17:00 0 Comments

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KARL Sheppard has told why he chose Reading ahead of a host of rival Championship clubs.

The sought-after striker penned a two-and-a-half year deal with the Royals and joined his new team-mates for a first training session this morning (Thursday).

The 20-year-old Irishman was a free agent, having left Shamrock Rovers at the end of the League of Ireland season in October.

His 10 goals in 24 appearances last season helped Rovers land the league title, and he also played in their Europa League side, including the clash with Tottenham Hotspur.

Royals' Championship rivals Blackpool, Cardiff City and Peterborough United are believed to have been watching the former Everton trainee.

But it was Reading's superb track record of developing players from the Emerald Isle that finally swung the deal.

"Seeing the likes of Kevin Doyle and Shane Long come over and do well was massive for me," Sheppard explained. "There's Stephen and Noel Hunt as well, it's a good thing.

"The history of bringing good Irish players through is something that intrigued me to come 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.

"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."

Sheppard has not played a competitive fixture since the Europa Cup defeat by Spurs on December 15.

But he insisted: "It was massive, I learned so much from it. Playing week in, week out in the Irish league isn't great, but when it came to playing in Europe I learned so much and got a lot of exposure."

The Republic of Ireland Under 21 international will now step up his fitness work with the sim of pushing for a place in Brian McDermott's first-team in the next few weeks.

"I like to get in behind teams, I'm alright at holding the ball up as well," added Sheppard, who will wear the squad number 21. "I obviously like to get a goal or two so that's what you can expect from me.

"I prefer playing up top, but I can play on the right as well, I'm still learning but up top is my preferred position."

This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 12 Jan 12

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