SOCCER:ASTON Villa have been told they will need to double their €2.8 million offer for Shay Given to convince Manchester City to sell the Republic of Ireland goalkeeper. Given, 35, is keen to leave City after losing his place to Joe Hart. Villa's bid has fallen well short of City's €5.6 million valuation, with City insistent Given will not be allowed to leave on the cheap. Villa are also monitoring the potential availability of Alan Hutton, the Tottenham Hotspur right-back.
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RORY Delap insists he can continue to cope with the demands of top-flight football at Stoke City despite turning 35 today. The former Republic of Ireland international featured in more than 40 games for Tony Pulis’ side last season and is hoping to play as big a part for the Premier league outfit over the course of the coming campaign.
“I get a lot of stick off the lads about my age, but I can handle that,” he says. “There are a couple of players out there over 35. We’ve done a couple of fitness tests, though, and I’m still up to the standards of last season.
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FORMER Republic of Ireland Under-21 striker Adam Rooney is hopeful he can make a mark on the Championship for Birmingham City this season with the Dubliner insisting his time in Scotland has helped his progress as a player.
“When I was in England before I was obviously younger and trying to make my way,” he says. “Now I’ve got this opportunity and I will work hard to try and get in the team and take it.
“I’ve definitely developed as a player,” he says. “Last time in England I was at Stoke and had a couple of loan spells. I think I’ve gone up to another level now. I’ve played a lot of games, played regularly the last couple of seasons and got a lot of goals. My all-round game has improved and I am looking forward to playing Championship football.”
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UCD have announced they will play friendly games against St Johnstone and Villareal over the next two weekends. The students will take on the Scottish side this Sunday at the Belfield Bowl at 3pm with the Spaniards, who will play in this season’s Champions league, in town for a game that kicks off at 7pm the following Saturday evening.
“The boys are excited at the prospect of playing against full-time professionals that regularly compete with some of the best sides in the world,” said manager Martin Russell yesterday.
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FORMER Ireland captain Kenny Cunningham is to assist Damien Richardson with managing the Airtricity League side for the forthcoming Dublin Super Cup, it was announced yesterday.
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STEPHEN Henderson has completed his move from Bristol City to Portsmouth. The former under-21 international goalkeeper was out of contract at Ashton Gate but City will receive compensation for him as he is 23 years old.
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JOE Murphy has admitted to feeling relieved his future has been resolved after completing his move to Coventry City at the end of last week. The 29-year-old replaces Keiren Westood at the club after leaving Scunthorpe as a free agent.
“I am delighted to finally sign,” he said. “It has been a long summer because I have had a new arrival in the family and in the back of my mind I wanted it sorted. It was done pretty much at the last minute but I am very happy with the three-year deal and it’s great to be among the lads.
“It is always frustrating waiting for things to happen, especially when you are a free agent and there are a few ifs, buts and maybes. You hear about interest from different clubs but interest is never definite. I knew this was a move that was in the pipeline and it didn’t take me long to decide. I made a few phone calls to family and friends but it was all done within 24 hours in the end.”
