Sheppard returns to Rovers on loan

Reading striker Karl Sheppard has joined Airtricity Premier Division side Shamrock Rovers on loan until July.

The 21-year-old, who has been capped at under-21 level for Ireland, joined Reading from the Rovers in January 2012 after a series of impressive performances in the Europa League.

Sheppard began his career with Shelbourne before being signed by English Premier League side Everton in 2007.

He was released by Everton in 2010 and joined Galway United before linking up with Shamrock Rovers in 2011, where he won the Airtricity Premier Division and Setanta Sports Cup.

Meanwhile, Airtricity Premier Division side Cork City have confirmed that centre-back Eoghan Murphy has joined the club ahead of the 2013 campaign.

Speaking to the club’s website, Cork manager Tommy Dunne said the club has ‘high hopes’ for Murphy, noting that he expected the 19-year-old defender to ‘push for a first team place’.