New signing David Mooney had the chance to come over to England at the start of this year, but the striker turned down the likes of Crystal Palace.

Mooney left Longford Town in January, and decided to stay in Ireland by moving to Cork City rather than coming across to the Coca-Cola Championship.

The 23-year-old has now signed a three-year contract with the Royals, and describes the move across the water to Berkshire as 'a match made in heaven.'

He said, "I could have come to England in January but I turned down some offers, I didn't feel it was quite right at the time. There was Palace, some League One clubs, some League Two. There were negotiations with Blackburn but they fell through on the last day of the window.

"When I spoke to Reading I knew it was a match made in heaven. It's a great club, a family club, and I hope I'm pushing for a first team spot a few weeks down the line.

"I enjoyed training with the lads on Thursday, it's a step up in class and in tempo but I enjoyed it. It was a bit more intense, with that bit more strength, fitness and ability. It's a good challenge for me.

"I know Noel Hunt from Shamrock Rovers, he lived with my aunt and uncle when we played together! I know of the rest of the lads but don't know them personally yet.

"I don't think there's more pressure because of how well the other Irish lads have done, I've always got to play my own game and be my own person, it's down to me.

"But I must say what they have done has been great for the Irish league. It's given it a real profile. Now they're here it's put the eye on Reading and they're in the national team.

"Every player that wants to improve has got to listen. The coaches here will help me push on, and the manager has a great reputation for developing players. His objective is promotion, and if I can help him with that I'd be delighted."

Our online TV station Reading World has full coverage of David's signing, including an exclusive interview, Coppell's verdict and special training footage. See each one for a special preview clip.

Also available now our photos of Mooney in training for the first time, as well as images of him putting pen to paper.