O'Donovan wants fair fees for Irish

Since the conclusion of the domestic league a fortnight ago, a number of Irish players have attracted the attentions of both English and Scottish clubs with some actually travelling for trials.

Cork City star Roy O'Donovan is wanted by Mick McCarthy but a recent request from the Wolves manager to take the 21-year-old on trial to Molineux was rejected by his club.

McCarthy, though, remains interested and is likely to approach Cork again regarding a bid in the January transfer window despite their initial rebuke.

A former Coventry youth, O'Donovan is regarded as one of the hottest properties in the Irish game and has already made inroads on the international scene.

And the Irish under-21 and - more recently - 'B' international is keen to retry his hand across the water but feels English clubs should stump up suitable fees for worthy Irish talent and not try take advantage.

Reading paid his club a paltry €117,000 for team-mate Kevin Doyle last season.  Of course, that fee is now regarded as a steal owing to the striker's success in the Premiership and for the Republic of Ireland.

O'Donovan could attract a fee in the region of €300,000 but he also believes British clubs have had ample opportunity to scout him and other Irish players during the season, rather than requesting trials.

"I think I'm above that," said the winger / striker today named eircom/Soccer Writers Association of Ireland (SWAI) Player of the Month for November.

"If people want to see me play, they can come and see me play for Cork. They've had plenty of chances. I've played in 10 European games, around 10 under-21 games and I've got a 'B' cap in addition to playing around 80 games for Cork City.

"Maybe on trial, they might want to see me and get to know me as a person for a few days rather than seeing me as a footballer because there have been plenty of opportunities for that."

Considering Cork City's financial difficulties this season, O'Donovan - who has one year remaining on his contract - is mindful that any potential fee for him should be fair to the club.

"I don't mean to sound arrogant, but I have to be fair to the club. If people want me, then they're going to have to make a bid that's fair to everybody."