Former Bohemians player-manager and Republic of Ireland international Gareth Farrelly will not be offered a playing contract with Leicester City.

The 31-year-old left Bohemians some six weeks ago following their 2-0 FAI Cup replay defeat to bitter city rivals Shamrock Rovers and has since been training with the struggling English Championship side.

But Leicester's assistant manager Mike Stowell said:  "Gareth joined us to do a bit of training.  He wants to get back into the game, but at his own pace and leisure.

"By his own admittance he has enjoyed his time here but it is not an option we will be pursuing."

Farrelly, who was taken in on a non-contract basis, played a reserve team game against Derby at the start of the month but didn't do enough to impress club manager Rob Kelly.

Although he was cutting his managerial teeth at Bohemians, Farrelly still feels he has more to offer on the field of play and, for the time being at least, his next designs in the game would appear to be as a player.

• David Connolly, the out-of-favour Republic of Ireland striker, returned from injury last night in a Sunderland reserve match.

The former Wigan player had been struggling with a thigh injury but played 60 minutes of the 1-0 defeat to Middlesbrough.  He is now in line for a first-team return this weekend.

His team-mates and compatriots Graham Kavanagh (knee) and Stephen Elliott (ankle) will remain sidelined for another four and two weeks respectively.

Liam Miller, who withdrew from the Republic of Ireland squad at the weekend, is doubtful for Saturday's Championship trip to Preston as he continues to nurse a foot injury.