DAVID Mooney is now officially a free agent after being released by Reading.

DAVID Mooney is now officially a free agent after being released by Reading.

The 26-year-old striker – who finished as Colchester United’s top-goalscorer in 2010/11 with 14 during a season-long loan spell – has struggled to make the breakthrough at the Championship club since coming over from his native Ireland.

Having scored prolifically for Cork City, the Royals signed him for a fee thought to be in the region of around 260,000 Euros in August 2008.

He has made just four League Cup appearances for the Berkshire club during his three seasons there though having been loaned out to Stockport, Norwich, Charlton and Colchester.

Royals boss Brian McDermott has now informed Mooney, as well as Scott Davies, that they can leave the Madejski Stadium.

McDermott said: “I’ve had conversations with Scotty Davies and David Mooney.

“Sometimes when players like Scotty have been here a long time, they probably need to find where their career is going to be. David Mooney is the same.”

Colchester boss John Ward – who is now down to just two senior strikers – confirmed towards the end of last season that he would like to keep Mooney at the club.

The Irishman thoroughly enjoyed his time in Essex, but has admitted he would love to get another chance in the Championship.