Long dispute down for resolution

THE tug-of-war between Dundalk and St Patrick's Athletic regarding the midfielder Keith Long will be resolved this evening by an independent tribunal. The player may become eligible for the champions' home game against Sligo Rovers tomorrow evening.

According to the St Patrick's Athletic Brian Kerr: "Dundalk have no binding with him at all." He believes, therefore, that they were able to sign the skilful utility player without the requirement of a transfer fee. However, Dundalk maintain that they are entitled to a fee for Long, whose status has remained in limbo since his proposed move to Finn Harps fell through.

Meanwhile, the long-serving Cork City defender Declan Daly came through his first match since April 1995 in his team's impressive 3-0 League Cup quarter-final, over St Patrick's on Tuesday night, bloodied but unbowed.

Despite sustaining a head wound which forced his retirement before half-time and required six stitches, Daly confirmed he will play against Finn Harps on Sunday at Turner's Cross. "It's great to be back. The knee stood up to everything I asked. I've no problem with it whatsoever. I've a bandage on my head, but it's a lot better than having one around my knee." The City manager Dave Barry has also said he will from now on keep Dave Hill at centre-half rather than midfield. "That's his position now. We were giving away stupid goals in the last couple of matches in the league. I've found a place, for Dave, his experience there is invaluable to us.

The fall-out from another of Tuesday night's upsets is not so healthy. Derry City, beaten 3-1 by Galway United, learned yesterday that striker Liam Coyle will be out for another four weeks. The news follows scans on his fractured arm, sustained in the league opener against Finn Harps on August 30th. Goalkeeper Declan Devine is also likely to be sidelined with a broken thumb. The transfer-listed Tony O'Dowd will now get an unexpected opportunity to start a game against Shamrock Rovers at the Brandywell on Saturday night.

Meanwhile, Peter Eccles has rejoined Shamrock Rovers from Athlone Town, while another former Rover, Mick Byrne, has been appointed assistant manager to Pat Byrne.

Three players have been suspended by the senior clubs' disciplinary committee. Home Farm Everton's Thomas Lawless, sent-off against Derry, has been banned for two games, while Trevor Crolly of St Patrick's (sent-off against Dundalk) and Shelbourne's Dave Campbell (who reached 20 penalty points after a carry-over of 16 from last season) have each incurred a one-game ban. The suspensions come into effect on the week of Monday, September 30th.