The three Amigos WILL return as a unit, as Gary Kelly has once again joined Phil Babb and Jason McAteerat Sunderland's Stadium of Light for the 2002-03' Premeirship season. The three Amigos, as they were labeled for the USA 94 World Cup finals, caught the attention of everyone in the world with their skill on the field. And there joking as a group in the public eye, and during press conferences automatically christened the group with this name. Peter Reid is now taking even more steps to strengthen his squad. When Gaz Kelly comes back from the World Cup the reported deal is said to be worth in the region of £4mil GPB.
The main reason behind the transfer is that Kelly has been surplus to requirements at Elland Road since Mills broke into the first team and has since been heavily involved internationally with England. Again speculation sees it that Kelly could be the first of three Irish to leave the mighty Elland Road this summer - Ian Harte and Robbie Keane are both tipped to move on after the World Cup.
Peter Reid (If he stays) has now employed the services of no fewer than 13 Irishmen in the Sunderland Team. From senior internationals with Quinny, McAteer, Kilbane, Babb and now Kelly, right throughout the Republics U21, 18 & 16 levels. At U21 level - Thomas Butler, Clifford Byrne, and U16 &18 level - Keith Graydon, Stephen Capper, Glenn Lacey, Brendan McGill, Michael Reddy, Sean Thornton.
Injury Updates
Mark Kinsella is no longer a doubt for the Republic of Ireland's World Cup opener against Cameroon. Marks Knee was causing problems despite two operations. It had been reported that the only possible doubt was McAteer. Kinsella went under extensive treatment from the Irish medical staff, and Mick says he’s ok.
Meanwhile Jason returned to his old self on the training ground Kenny Cunningham was in full flight around the pitch showing no signs of his hamstring strain, Kinsella was on the end of some extensive treatment from the Irish medical team.
Although we need not panic, Mick and co. are playing down the significance of the fact that Kinsella played no real part in training yesterday. But Mark will be missed and it will surely stretch Mick McCarthy's resources in the midfield. McAteer could play along side Matt Holland, if McAteer is fit of course. And Lee Carsley is available despite overcoming a small ankle injury. Stephen Reid is by no means a backroom player as reports state that he has looked razor sharp in training all week.
Colin Healy stays put
FIFA have turned down the Football Association of ireland's request to call up Celtic's Colin Healy in place of Roy Keane. "We understand that our request has been rejected", FAI Media Officer Brendan McKenna said,on behalf of Brendan Menton. "We weren't confident we would win FIFA's approval, and that has turned out to be the case", he added.
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