SHEPPARD FORCED TO RETIRE

KARL Sheppard has been forced to retire at 29 due to arthritis.

The Dubliner was first diagnosed two years ago and initially felt he could continue unrestriced but since then it has been a struggle — making just 45 appearances and scoring four goals, none at all in 2020 with Shelbourne.

‘The past two seasons have shown my body cannot meet the demands of professional football,’ he said, acknowledging it ‘was an impossible task’.

Sheppard made 365 appearances and scored 89 goals in a distinguished career which yielded Premier Division titles with Shamrock Rovers (2011) and Cork City (2017), FAI Cup success with Cork City in 2016 and 2017 and two Setanta Cups with Rovers in 2011 and 2013.

Meanwhile, Jack Byrne played 20 minutes for APOEL Nicosia yesterday as they won 3-2 away to Pafos to improve their position in the Cypriot First Division. It was Byrne’s first appearance since the departure of Mick McCarthy earlier this month.