Doyle and Long get Royal welcome

COCA-COLA Championship side Reading yesterday completed the signings of Kevin Doyle and Shane Long from Cork City.

Doyle, an Irish under-21 international signed off in some style on Monday night by grabbing both Cork City’s goals in their 2-0 victory over Finn Harps, a win which moved them four points clear at the top of the eircom League.

Long, an Irish under-19 international, who only signed for Cork City during the pre-season will be eligible to play for Reading’s academy side.

The Royals agreed undisclosed fees (thought to be in the region of €150,000) with City for the two players and they were unveiled at a press conference at the Madejski Stadium yesterday.

Chairman John Madejski said, “I am delighted to welcome Kevin and Shane to Madejski Stadium and hope they will have a big impact in English football. Kevin is widely regarded as one of the hottest prospects in Irish football, and Shane is a young player of great potential. I wish them both well.”

Reading’s director of football Kevin Hammond said: “I am confident Kevin will have a major impact on our championship challenge next season and Shane is a raw talent with genuine pace, who we hope will reach his potential during his time with us.”