Starlet snubbed Palace for Royals

Irish striker Dave Mooney has confirmed that he snubbed the chance to join Crystal Palace before opting for a move to Reading.

The 23-year-old Irish Under-23 international striker joined the Royals for £200,000 on a three-year deal from Cork City on Wednesday, and then confirmed that he previously spurned the chance to link up with Eagles boss Neil Warnock when he made an approach in January.

Mooney, who fired 20 goals in 26 appearances for Cork this season, including 15 Eircom League goals: said: "I could have come to England earlier, but it didn't feel right at the time. But when I got knowledge of Reading's interest it was a match made in heaven really, and I have settled straight in."

Mooney is Royals boss Steve Coppell's fourth signing from Cork after also capturing Kevin Doyle, Shane Long and Alan Bennett from the Irish outfit. Therefore it is no surprise that he opted for a move to link up with his fellow countrymen at the Madejski Stadium, while Warnock's search for a new forward continues.