Soccer Shorts: Shelbourne's appeal against the Eircom League's protest committee over three points they feel are rightly theirs was adjourned late last night for further deliberations, writes Paul O'Hehir.
The club believes it should be awarded the three points Bohemians were deducted after the Phibsboro club fielded a suspended player during a match between the sides two months ago.
Bohemians won that game 2-1 but were subsequently docked three points for fielding Jason McGuinness, who was suspended. League leaders Shelbourne, however, believe they should be awarded the three points, or at least have the match replayed. The club's chief executive, Ollie Byrne, has previously stated he will "leave no stone unturned" in his appeal, suggesting he would go to Uefa, Fifa and possibly the courts if necessary.
Deal expected today
West Ham are expected to make an announcement today on Eggert Magnusson's proposed £75-million takeover of the club. The Icelandic businessman's initial bid was turned down last week but he returned with an improved offer. It is understood that an announcement on the matter, either through the Stock Exchange or the club, will be made today.
Irish under-21s win
The Republic of Ireland's under-21 side were comfortable 2-0 winners over Luxembourg in a friendly international in Mamer last night. Second-half goals by Anthony Stokes and Andy Keogh gave Don Givens's side the spoils in front of the watching senior team manager Steve Staunton.
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: Quigley (UCD); Kane (Blackburn), O'Cearuill (Arsenal), R Keogh (Bristol City), Stapleton (unattached), Cregg (Falkirk), Morris (Scunthorpe), Dicker (UCD), Kelly (Bohemians), A Keogh (Scunthorpe), Stokes (Arsenal). Subs: Wilson (Portsmouth) for Dicker, Hand (Huddersfield) for Morris, Powell (Bohemians) for Stapleton, Randolph (Charlton) for Quigley (all 46 mins); O'Halloran (Aston Villa) for R Keogh (56 mins).
