Soccer

Deeney solves Old Trafford dilemma

Derryman Saul Deeney appears to have solved a personal dilemma by indicating he will extend his Burton Albion contract in time…

Paul O'Hehir
Thu Jan 12 2006 - 00:00

Derryman Saul Deeney appears to have solved a personal dilemma by indicating he will extend his Burton Albion contract in time to face Manchester United in the FA Cup on Wednesday.

The 22-year-old goalkeeper’s contract expired after Sunday’s third round 0-0 draw at the Pirelli Stadium and he was reluctant to sign a new one-month deal as it would tie him to the non-league club until season’s end.

Deeney’s dilemma was compounded by the fact a number of league clubs - most notably Championship high flyers Sheffield United - are monitoring his progress .

The commitment to Albion now scuppers any chance of an immediate return to professional ranks.

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Deeney, a former Republic of Ireland youth and Notts County regular, said today he was confident of lining out against Manchester United and playing for Burton until the end of the season.
 
"The manager (Nigel Clough) is doing the best for his club. . . so on Friday I am going to sit down with him and get something sorted out until the end of this season," Deeney told the BBC.

The decision is sure to please Deeney’s nine brothers who are all fanatical Manchester United supporters.

Clough was always hopeful Deeney would commit but can’t hold talks with the player until the goalkeeper returns from a break in Ireland.

Deeney kept Burton in the third round with a spectacular save to deny Richie Jones late on in Sunday’s game but Clough warned the youngster he would be replaced should he delay signing.

"We'd like Saul to stay with us until the end of the season," Clough confirmed yesterday.

He added: "I presume Saul wants to run out with us at Old Trafford next week but he hasn't signed yet and he should remember we have a perfectly capable and experienced deputy in Martin Taylor."

Deeney, who joined after a controversial split from Notts County in October, has until tomorrow to put pen to paper.

Wayne Rooney, meanwhile, will miss the replay following his yellow card for clashing with Blackburn's Robbie Savage during the Carling Cup semi-final, first leg, tie at Ewood Park last night.