Full Irish international who joined from Cork City for an undisclosed fee in the summer of 2005.

The highly rated striker was Cork's top scorer in the 2003/4 season and had attracted attention from a number of English clubs, but the Royals held off the competition to get their man on an initial two-year contract.

Made a good early impression and scored his first goal for the Club with a winner against Burnley in August 2005, and continued to hugely impress - ending the campaign as player of the season and his first two full international caps.

Managed to exceed all expectations during that debut season in English football, weighing in with 19 goals from 51 appearances, including an equaliser in the 1-1 draw which secured promotion.

Took the number 9 shirt in the summer of 2006 and very quickly established himself in the Premiership, as well as scoring his first goal for Ireland.

His goalscoring prowess was noted by a number of clubs, but he pledged his future with a new contract at Madejski Stadium. Found goals harder to come by in his next campaign though as the Royals suffered a cruel relegation.