SOCCER SHORTS:NEW Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill has pledged to address the talent drain to the Republic of Ireland, starting with highly promising Sunderland winger James McClean.
“That’s no secret. I’ve never hidden the fact I think it (players switching allegiance) is wrong,” said the former Shamrock Rovers boss.
“I think the ruling itself is particularly unfair. What I would say to any young player is think long hard about that decision because, of the players who have made it to date, only Darron Gibson has played a competitive international for the Republic.
“James McClean is eligible for Northern Ireland so of course he’s on my radar,” he said.
“Whilst respecting the wishes of the players, I’ll be doing everything in my power and my remit to emphasise to them that their long-term futures lie with the Northern Ireland national team.
“Any player who is still eligible for Northern Ireland will come under consideration.”
Hearts pay up on overdue wages
HEARTS have announced their players had received their overdue December wages – on the day the Scottish Premier League imposed a seven-day deadline to comply with a number of orders or be faced with unlimited sanctions.
The SPL made a series of demands – ordering the payment of December’s wages, interest owed, costs for proceedings, plus timely payment of this month’s wages, due on January 16th – with a January 11th deadline in order to halt the financial uncertainty surrounding the club.
Last night Hearts announced one of those orders had been met, but insisted the payment on the day of the SPL’s meeting was merely coincidence.
COSTA Ricahave been confirmed as Wales' opponents for next month's Gary Speed Memorial match. The South American side, against whom Speed made his international debut in 1990, will visit Cardiff City Stadium on February 29th for a 7.45pm kick-off.
Clark hopeful of Euro 2012 chance
CIARÁN Clark admits he has to play regularly for Aston Villa to guarantee being part of the Republic of Ireland squad for the Euro 2012 finals.
Utility player Clark, who can play in defence or midfield, has recently regained his Villa spot in a holding role in the centre of the park and is desperate to be part of the Irish squad next summer.
Clark said: “I’d like to keep getting into the Villa team because that is the only way I am going to get into the team to make the European Championships in the summer. I know if I play games then I will hopefully get a chance to go.
“It would be a massive experience for me to go to Euro 2012 but I haven’t been picked in the last few squads.
“I hadn’t really been playing for Villa but, now I’m getting a few games, it would be nice to think I’ve got a chance for the summer. I won’t give up on it and hopefully I’ll show I’m good enough.”
Fulham make offer for striker Lopez
FULHAM have made an offer for Catania striker Maxi Lopez, according to the Italian club.
The Cottagers have scored just 22 goals in 20 Premier League games this season and England striker Bobby Zamora has been in and out of the side amid speculation about his relationship with manager Martin Jol.
Powerful Argentinian Maxi (27) would provide Jol with a fresh option up front, and Catania sporting director Pietro Lo Monaco revealed Fulham’s interest.
“On Maxi Lopez there are no developments as yet, but an offer has been received from Fulham and we are evaluating it,” Lo Monaco told Radio Mana Mana.
“We are waiting to see what the Italian clubs will do. AC Milan are definitely out, while we will see what happens with Fiorentina.
“Lazio? I don’t think they need Maxi.”
McLaren in talks on FC Twente return
STEVE McClaren’s Dutch agent Rob Jansen has revealed the former England manager is in official talks over a return to FC Twente.
McClaren immediately emerged as the favourite to succeed Co Adriaanse, who was sacked on Tuesday by the Enschede club.
And Jansen told De Telegraaf: "FC Twente and I are talking fast. We will see what comes of it."
McClaren led Twente to their first ever Eredivisie title in his second season before leaving to take charge of Bundesliga side Wolfsburg in May 2010.
The 50-year-old was sacked less than a year later and his most recent post was at Nottingham Forest, who appointed him as manager last June on a three-year deal.
However, McClaren resigned from his post in October with Forest just one point and one place above the Championship relegation zone.
Dawson to return for Spurs in FA Cup
TOTTENHAM defender Michael Dawson is set to return to the first team at the weekend after almost five months on the sidelines.
Dawson was named on the bench against Swansea on Saturday after a long lay-off with an Achilles injury but has been pencilled in for a start in the FA Cup against Cheltenham.
“Michael will play on Saturday,” said boss Harry Redknapp. “It will be his first game back. Hopefully he’ll be fit. We were struggling for cover at Swansea. He’d only trained once but he put himself up for the bench, that’s typical of him. He’s a fantastic lad.”
Redknapp is expecting another imminent fitness boost from Aaron Lennon, who suffered a hamstring injury against Sunderland last month.
“Aaron could be fit. Hes training and we’d like to get a game into him if we can.”
Barton banned after appeal fails
QPR have failed with their appeal to have Joey Barton’s red card for violent conduct in Monday’s Premier League match against Norwich overturned.
Barton gave QPR an early lead at Loftus Road before getting involved in a tussle with Bradley Johnson and appearing to headbutt the Norwich midfielder.Barton will miss Saturday’s FA Cup tie at MK Dons, and the Premier League clashes away to former club Newcastle and home to Wigan.
