TRANSFER NEWS:WITH A knee injury putting paid to any chance Stephen Ireland might have had of being involved in Aston Villa's FA Cup game against Blackburn this afternoon, the midfielder may have played his last game for the midlands outfit with Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew still hoping to wrap up a deal for the Corkman ahead of Monday's transfer deadline.
Pardew admitted yesterday he remains unsure of whether the terms of a deal can be agreed with the percentage of the player’s €84,000 weekly wages that each club will play still believed to be a stumbling block.
He confirmed, however, talks were continuing and that he still hoped to add the Irishman to his panel. “I hope so, that’s all I can say,” he remarked.
However, asked if the 24-year-old would still be at Villa Park in February, manager Gerard Houllier said: “Oh, yes.” The Frenchman repeated he can’t see Ireland going anywhere and expects him back in the squad shortly. “He should be back next week.”
If Ireland’s future very much looks to lie away from Villa Park, Richard Dunne looks a little more secure there in the wake of Curtis Davies’ departure for cross-city rivals Birmingham City.
The Dubliner had been the subject of speculation regarding a possible move after a poor start to the season but an improvement in his form appears to have convinced Houllier of his worth. The manager explained the decision to let Davies go had been made on the basis of the options available to him in central defence.
Ciarán Clark, who is expected to make his international debut in the forthcoming game against Wales, was amongst the other players name-checked by Houllier but the defender is expected to slot back in at left back for today’s game after missing the 2-1 defeat of Wigan during the week because of a minor hamstring problem.
With Stephen Warnock out of favour, 19-year-old Nathan Baker filled in for Clark and Houllier says the combined performances of the pair have persuaded him there is no need to buy in a new left back. “I won’t recruit a left-back because Ciarán can help,” he said. “When he can do it he does it and when he can’t do it now we’ve also got Nathan.”
Despite having turned down an a move to Scunthorpe this week, Conor Sammon still looks likely to leave Kilmarnock for England ahead of Monday’s deadline. Derby County are one of a number of Championship sides interested in the former UCD and Derry City striker.
“There are a few clubs interested in Conor, all from England,” said Kilmarnock manager Mixu Paatelainen. “He has done a good job and he deserves the chance to play at a higher level.”
Derby, who deny having made an offer of nearly €600,000 for the Dubliner, are expected to have him watched again in today’s game at Hamilton.
Coventry City have acknowledged there is growing interest in Ireland’s Keiren Westwood. Chairman Ray Ranson denied having quoted Wigan €2.4 million for the player whose contract runs out at the end of the season.
