Sheppard departs Reading for Hoops

Shamrock Rovers have bolstered their attacking options for the coming season with the re-signing of striker Karl Sheppard after he officially parted company with Sky Bet Championship side Reading. 

Sheppard, who made 18 league appearances for the Hoops last campaign, scoring five times will look to link up with Eamon Zayed, Ciaran Kilduff and Mark Quigley in the final third, an area in which the side struggled last season.  

Sheppard becomes the second player to re-sign for the club after Barry Murphy and they join new signings, Rob Cornwall, Simon Madden, Conor Kenna, Luke Byrne, Ryan Brennan and David O'Connor. 

The Hoops are also in the unusual position in the Airtricity League with Eamon Zayed, Richie Ryan, Ronan Finn, Sean O'Connor, Jason McGuinness, Gary McCabe and Ciaran Kilduff all under contract for the 2014 season. More signings are expected soon.