Sheppard rejoins his flock as striker Karl signs back with schoolboy club Shelbourne

Shelbourne have announced the signing of former Cork City forward Karl Sheppard ahead of their return to the Premier Division.

Sheppard returns to First Division champions having had a spell with the club as a schoolboy before making the move to England with Everton.

“I kept a close eye on Shels since I left them as schoolboy and last season,” Sheppard told the club’s official website.

“They’re the first club I ever went to as a boy so I have always had a soft spot for them.

“Ian got in contact with me and told me about the plans for the season and I wanted to be a part of it.”

The 28-year-old departed the Reds for Everton in 2007 before returning to Ireland to sign for Galway United in 2010.

Spells with Shamrock Rovers, where he won the Premier Division, Reading and Accrington Stanley followed before the Dubliner signed for Cork City in 2015.

During his five seasons with the Rebels he won the League of Ireland Premier Division for a second time in his career as well as adding two FAI Cup and three President Cup medals to his collection.