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Karl Sheppard is not afraid to set the bar high at Cork City as he enters the 'last chance saloon'.

The striker insists anything less than a 20-25 goal haul in 2015 will represent a disappointing campaign.

And considering he managed just one in the league all last season, it is going to be quite the ask.

But in fairness to Sheppard he didn't get much of a look in at Shamrock Rovers last year and was out of favour under former boss Trevor Croly.

He only got going when Pat Fenlon took over in August yet even at that he only started six Premier Division games all year.

But Cork City boss John Caulfield sensed his frustration and swooped for the striker who is determined to do well, not least because he wants one last stab at the UK.

(Image: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne)

Having been at Everton as a youth and then snapped up from his previous Rovers spell by Reading, you might think that by now he was burnt by the cross channel experience.

Not Sheppard, who is determined to make it third time lucky if all goes to plan on his new Leeside adventure.

He told Mirror Sport: "I think this is my last opportunity to go back over, the last chance saloon if you like.

"I'm not turned off the idea of going back, I still want it - any player here would if they're being honest.

"I'll be 24 when the season starts and you don't hear of many 25-year-olds going over but I believe I can smash it this season.

"I believe I can score 20-odd goals for Cork and if I do, I'll see what happens. 20-25 is my target, anything less won't be a successful season for me."

British football is Sheppard's long-term goal but the here and now is all about Cork City.

And while the Rebels were labelled 'physical and direct' last year - something Caulfield bristles at - Sheppard reckons that is tailor made for his game.

"At Rovers, Trevor wanted strikers coming towards the ball and holding it up," he said.

"Maybe that's why you didn't see the best of the strikers at Rovers.

(Image: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne)

"Going side to side is slow, it's easy for defenders to get across. I like space to get in behind and get more touches on the ball.

"John Caulfield knows I like to run in behind and create chances and try score goals. I wouldn't care if I won the league with 20 goals playing for any team dubbed the most direct in the world."

Sheppard was part of the Hoops 2011 Europa League adventure and added: "The first year there was unbelievable.

"But the last two seasons were dragged out. Sitting on the bench last year, not coming on, was very frustrating.

"It was eating at me every day. Footballers in Ireland are not doing it for the money. You get a good enough wage but not one that makes it enjoyable to sit and not play.

"It affected my confidence and the season dragged on. Halfway through I knew I needed a new challenge as I wasn't getting the best out of myself."

Sheppard added: "I'm thrilled to be at Cork and want to work hard in pre-season and try get in the team. I've one year left to get back across the water and I'm very focused."