Premiership: Irish under-21 defender Steve Baker made his first appearance of the season for Middlesborough on Saturday in their 2-1 win at Coventry.

Division One: David Kelly (Tranmere) and John Durnin (Portsmouth) gave their sides the lead away to Norwich and West Bromwich Albion, respectively, on Saturday but both had to settle for 2-2 draws.

Division Two: Midfielder Graham Kavanagh brought his tally to 13 this season when he scored twice for Stoke, the first from a penalty, in a 2-2 draw at York while former Irish international Dave Savage's first goal for Northampton was enough to give them three desperately needed points at Reading - the win lifted them to fourth from bottom of the table. Just three days after playing for Ireland against Nigeria in the World Youth Championships Gary Doherty was back in action for Luton, coming on as a second half sub in their defeat by Lincoln.

Division Three: Irish under-21 striker Barry Conlon scored twice for Southend in their 3-0 win at Plymouth, where he spent a loan spell last year, boosting their hopes of avoiding relegation.

News: Sean Devine's loan spell at Wycombe Wanderers was made permanent last week when the second division club agreed a fee of £200,000 for the former Irish B international striker. Goalkeeper Seamus Kelly, who joined Cardiff from UCD last summer, made his league debut in Tuesday's 1-0 win at Southend. Bradford central defender Andy O'Brien, who has played for England at under-18 and under-21 level, was called up to the Irish under-21 squad last week.