Irish manager monitors transfer movers

This past week has seen many potential stars of the Republic of Ireland switch teams as the transfer window winds down to a close, with just over two weeks left. Whilst some players have been in and out of the squad, several will be scrutinized by O’Neill and Keane and could receive their first international cap under the duo.

The biggest mover was obviously that of Shane Long. The former Cork City player joined renovated Southampton on a four-year deal from fellow Premier League team Hull City. Long was only with Hull for six months and made fifteen appearances, scoring four goals. Long is a mainstay of the Republic of Ireland international squad, having played forty seven times, scoring eleven goals in the process.

Stephen Ward will be joining Long in the Premier League after Burnley signed him on a three-year deal. Ward was transfer listed by Wolves and it seemed that Brighton & Hove Albion would sign him, as finished last season on loan there, but Burnley hijacked the deal for the fullback. The ex-Bohemians player has played twenty four matches for Ireland, scoring two goals, one of which came against Estonia in the Euro 2012 qualifying play-off.

Anthony Pilkington hopes that he has joined a team that will be competing to return to the Premier League soon. The winger has completed a £1 million move to Cardiff City from Championship rivals Norwich City. The twenty six year old has signed a three-year deal at the Welsh side. Pilkington has played six times for the Republic of Ireland and it is hoped increased game time at Cardiff will increase his chances of staying in the picture.

Another forward hoping to keep his place in the international set-up is Conor Sammon. The former UCD and Derry City striker has left Derby County to join Ipswich Town on loan. Sammon finished the last campaign with four goals in forty three games for Derby. Sammon has made nine appearances for the Republic of Ireland, but has failed to find the net so far.

Derby County have also moved to loan out another Irish player. Mark O’Brien has joined Scottish side Motherwell on a season long loan. The defender has been a part of the u21 and u19 squads for the Republic of Ireland.

Anthony Forde and Joe Mason will be hoping that they can force their way into the senior side after impressive performances at youth level for the Republic of Ireland. Forde is a part of the large Irish exodus from Wolves and has joined Walsall for an undisclosed fee. Forde was used sparsely by Wolves last season, appearing in only five matches. Mason has joined Bolton Wanderers on loan for the third time from Cardiff City. Last season’s loans added up to him scoring six goals in sixteen appearances.

Harry Kane is one of a trio of players that are English but eligible for the Republic of Ireland. The young striker has signed a new three-year deal with Tottenham Hotspur as he looks to build on his performances last season. He finished the last season with three goals in eleven appearances and Martin O’Neill already has his eye on the player.

Tottenham’s Premier League rivals Sunderland have signed Will Buckley from Brighton for a fee around £2.5 million. The midfielder has signed a three-year contract at the club. He finished off last season having played in thirty league games for Brighton as they finished sixth but lost in the play-offs. Buckley also qualifies for the Republic of Ireland and has expressed a desire to play for the Boys in Green.

Anton Ferdinand finishes off our small list of Irish hopefuls. The defender has returned to English shores after a season in Turkey with Antalyaspor. He signed for Championship side Reading on a free transfer this week. The former QPR, Sunderland and West Ham player is eligible for the squad through his mother.

Other Irish players on the move were Graham Cummins and Stephen Dawson. Dubliner Dawson has completed a move to League One side Rochdale from Barnsley. He has signed a one-year contract with the club. Cummins has also signed a one-year contract with Exeter City after he was released from Preston North End.

Finally, former Sligo Rovers player Romuald Boco has signed for Chesterfield on a non-contract basis. The midfielder joined on a free transfer from Plymouth Argyle and had a dream start when he scored on his debut last weekend. Chesterfield went on to win 2-1 over Leyton Orient.