Sunderland midfielder and Republic of Ireland international "Kevin Kilbane" has now been linked with Graham Taylors Aston Villa. Taylor made initial enquires two weeks ago, and he his now reported to be making an official bid thought to be in the region of GBP£4mil. This move could only do Kevin the world of good as he has failed to win the crowd over at the Stadium of Light, but he has always been guaranteed first team football. Its merely a small section of the Wearside fans who have an issue regarding Kilbanes efforts on the field. Jason McAteer, Kevin Kilbane and Niall Quinn will return to Wearside on July 22 after an extended holiday.
And with most of our Irish World Cup Stars now back to work there are still loose ends to tie-up with some of their domestic futures. Number one on the list has got to be Mattie Holland, and its unlikely that he will remain playing with newly-relegated Ipswich Town. Robbie Keane is still a Leeds United player, and it seems to be remaining that way as Venables is applying all of his efforts into holding onto Ferdinand it seems'. Kenny Cunningham has been back in training for some two weeks, and although he has been linked with many Premiership clubs, most prominent Sunderland, the Wimbledon and Republic of Ireland Defender has still not decided whether life in Div I is the way forward next season.
Joe Murphy. Not a huge name in Irish Football, probably because hes a goalkeeper, and probably because he plays for Div 2 Tranmere. Well the 20 year old Republic of Ireland Under-21 international was free to speak to the whoever he wanted to after his Prenton Park deal ran out last month. And he has now signed a four year deal with Premiership club, West Bromwich Albion. Murphy (Pictured left above) has 75 league appearances under his belt already for Tranmere, so he is an experienced keeper at only 20.
And last but not least, Ben Burgess (Pictured right above) is a Republic of Ireland under 21 international, and he has made two first team appearances with Blackburn. Okay, now whats the two main factors' here? Blackburn Rovers and Irish. The two just dont gel at all, what with other Irishmen failing to last with the Lancashire club. McAteer was not getting first team football toward the end of his time at Ewood, so he moved to Sunderland. Jeff Kenna moved to newly promoted Birmingham after failing to get first team football at Blackburn also. And Lee Carsley was surplus to Souness's requirements, so he moved to Everton. Now Ben Burgess is moving to Div 1 Stockport County in a deal thought to be in the region of GBP£400,00.00. We still have three Irish-men with the Lancashire club. Monaghan born Republic of Ireland U21 International Jonathan Douglas, Alan Kelly and left winger Alan Mahon. Wonder what their future holds?
This Saturday 15 July, Manchester United will travel to Dublin for a pre-season friendly with Shelbourne Football Club. Sir Alex Ferguson "HAS" confirmed that Roy Keane will travel to Dublin and will take part in the game. This will be Roy Keanes' first time to play on Irish soil since the World Cup incident, which saw the Cork man suspended and subsequently sent home. Who knows what type of reception the former Cobh Ramblers player will get,
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