Kerr beefs up squad

Republic of Ireland under-18 manager Brian Kerr has called up Graham Barrett of Arsenal and Liverpool's Paul O'Meara for next Tuesday night's European Championship match against Northern Ireland at Tolka Park. The Republic have to draw or win in order to secure a place at this summer's finals.

Kerr, who lost both Richie Partridge and Kevin Doherty this week to injuries, has drafted in Barrett to widen his striking options for the game while O'Meara, a left full back who can also play in mid-field or central defence, will provide cover for Waterford United's John Frost, who has not trained over the past couple of days due to a groin strain.

Most of the panel will have arrived in Dublin by tonight but four have games in Britain this weekend. Jason Gavin is expected to play for Middlesbrough in tomorrow's vital Premiership clash with Manchester United and Colin Healy should make his first senior start for Celtic. Gary Doherty of Luton and Peterborough's Tony Shields will also feature for their clubs.

On the domestic front neither Shamrock Rovers nor Sligo Rovers are expected to appoint new managers in the immediate future after parting with Mick Byrne and Nicky Reid respectively on Thursday evening.

Shamrock Rovers chairman Joe Colwell firmly denied reports yesterday linking his club with either Damien Richardson or Liam O'Brien, insisting that "nobody has been approached or even seriously considered at this stage".

He said that he feels it will probably be next month before a replacement is found for Byrne.

Waterford United goalkeeper Michael Devine has been voted Opel Soccer Writers' player of the month for April after a string of great performances during his club's successful fight against relegation.

Bohemians, meanwhile, will almost certainly confirm their topflight status this evening when they take a five-goal advantage into the second leg of their playoff tie with Cobh Ramblers.

"Hopefully we'll just finish it off and put this season behind us," said manager Roddy Collins. Minor fitness doubts hang over Ray Kelly and Brian Mooney.