Karl Sheppard signs new two-year deal with the champions Cork City

Champions Cork City have announced that striker Karl Sheppard has put pen to paper on a new two-year deal at Turner's Cross.

The 26-year-old signed for City from Shamrock Rovers ahead of the 2015 season and has helped shoot the club to the league title this year as well as back-to-back FAI Cup successes.

Sheppard had been linked with a move to close rivals Dundalk in the run up to Sunday's Cup final against the Lilywhites but has ended speculation by penning a new contract on Leeside.

“I am delighted,” the striker told the club's official website upon revealing the news.

“I have had a great three years here so far, and to add another two to that is brilliant. I can’t wait for next season, as we go out to try and defend our double.”

“It has been the best season I have been involved in so far. It was a special, special year. The supporters have been unbelievable. The messages of support I have been getting shows what type of people they are.

“Last week was a difficult week, but that is in the past now and I am delighted to commit to the club for the next two years.

“Next season, we need to try and go out and win the league again, try and win the FAI Cup again and we have the Champions League to look forward to. We are going into everything wanting to win.”

Manager John Caulfield added: “Shep joined us three seasons ago and he has been a phenomenal player for us.

“He played a huge role for us last Sunday and was instrumental in the cup win. I am absolutely thrilled to have him here, we want to keep all of our players.

“They have won a double, we know how hard it is and we need to be challenging again next year

“I never doubted Shep; his professionalism is second to none. He gave the performance I expected of him on Sunday and he left everything on the pitch, which our supporters could see.

“I feel he is in his prime, like a lot of the players we have already signed for next year, and I think he will get better and better over the next two years.”

Sheppard played underage football with his local side Portmarnock before signing trainee terms with Everton as a 16-year-old.

After finding it difficult to settle in England, Sheppard returned to Ireland and signed for Galway United ahead of the 2010 season.

The following season he joined Shamrock Rovers and helped the Hoops to retain the title and played in four of their Europa League group games, scoring in a defeat to PAOK.

Following a spell back in England with Reading, Sheppard rejoined Rovers in 2013 before making the switch to Leeside in 2015.