Shelbourne and their European Cup Winners' Cup opponents, Kilmarnock, both ventured into the transfer market yesterday ahead of last night's deadline with Damien Richardson buying in a striker to cover for the injured Stephen Geoghegan and Pat Morley and the Scots adding two midfielders to their panel.
With their regular strike-force badly hit by injury, the Dubliners have signed Richard Cadette on a short term contract with the 32year-old, who finished last season with Millwall, due to link up with Richardson and his new team-mates for this afternoon's friendly at Linfield.
"I think I actually played against him back when I was finishing up and he was starting," said the Shelbourne manager yesterday "he's good and quick, with a nice touch and the ability to score goals.
"Dessie Baker has done really well for us over the last while but, with Stephen and Pat out, he's the only recognised striker at the club and Richard's arrival will help us out until the European tie is out of the way."
Geoghegan, who has been suffering from pneumonia is due to see a specialist early next week after which he may be able to start training but he is now definitely out of the first leg match in Scotland and rated highly doubtful for the Dublin game at the end of the month.
Kilmarnock, meanwhile, have completed the signings of former Scottish international Pat Nevin from Tranmere and 22 year-old Clyde midfielder Martin O'Neill.
Nevin, who had long spells with Chelsea and Everton, has been unable to hold down a regular place in John Aldridge's side and the 33year-old has now returned home on a three-year deal for a fee of around £60,000.
Nevin's departure has coincided with the arrival of Irish international David Kelly at Tranmere. The 31-year-old, unhappy at having been employed in midfield by Peter Reid at Sunderland last season, finally completed his long expected move to Rovers for £350,000 yesterday afternoon.
Back at home, St Patrick's Athletic notched up another success in their summer transfer dealings when they clinched the signature of Ireland under-20 captain Thomas Morgan.
The former Belvedere midfielder, who left Dublin at 16 to join Blackburn Rovers, had an outstanding tournament in Malaysia and he will link up at Richmond Park with international team-mate Trevor Molloy.
"This is a fantastic capture for the club and an indication of the ambition of the club," said Pat Dolan yesterday. "When I travelled to Malaysia my number one target was Thomas and I'm thrilled that he has decided to join us." Dolan is still hoping to land Irish under-18 star Barry Conlon before the start of the league campaign.
