KARL SHEPPARD has agreed a move to English Championship outfit Reading FC on a free transfer move from Shamrock Rovers.

The Royals are understood to have won the race for the Ireland Under-21 striker after the 20-year-old confirmed the deal via his page on the social networking site Twitter.

"Just signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with Reading, delighted to finally get it done," said Sheppard.

Sheppard, who scored 10 goals in 24 appearances for Rovers last season, was a key figure for the Hoops as they won the Airtricity League and qualified for the group stages of the UEFA Europa League.

The Dubliner started his career at Everton then had a spell at Galway United before joining Rovers 12 months ago.