Credit: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire/Press Association Images
WHEN WOLVES SUFFERED their second consecutive demotion to England’s third tier, it was expected that Wexford’s Kevin Doyle would be one of a number of high profile exits. Yet, four games into the League One season and with less than a week to go before the transfer deadline closes, the striker remains in the Black Country.
Celtic’s interest has been well-publicised over the past year but it seems to have waned with his high wages likely to be a stumbling block for most potential suitors. Doyle has been omitted from recent Ireland squads and when asked Giovanni Trapattoni pointed to his club’s lowly status.
Last week, Wolves boss Kenny Jackett suggested that the player may not be going anywhere but, at 29, he is desperately in need of a fresh start at the top level.
2. James McCarthy
Credit: Martin Rickett/PA Wire/Press Association Images
As recently as this afternoon, Everton manager Roberto Martinez was being quoted as saying that they had not made a bid for Wigan midfielder James McCarthy. Undoubtedly one of the Latics’ most talented players, the Scottish-born Ireland international was tipped for a swift return to the Premier League but is facing the prospect of having to spend a year in the Championship.
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Any chance of a deal with the Toffees could depend on whether or not Marouane Fellaini departs for Manchester United. Watch this space.
3. Stephen Ireland
Credit: Adam Davy/EMPICS Sport
What can you say about Stephen Ireland that hasn’t already been said? Since arriving at Aston Villa as part of the deal which saw James Milner go in the opposite direction to Manchester City in 2010, the enigmatic midfielder has showed rare flashes of his ability but, as a whole, has been an enormous flop.
Although he is still only 27, his best football could, astonishingly, be behind him. There have been suggestions of a move to the MLS but nothing has materialised – which isn’t surprising considering he is one of Villa’s highest earners on around £65,000-per-week.
He is currently part of the group nicknamed the ‘Bomb Squad’ with likes of Alan Hutton, Charles N’Zogbia, Darren Bent and Enda Stevens (before the latter pair left) who were handed high squad numbers and deemed surplus to requirements by Paul Lambert.
4. Stephen Hunt
Credit: Lewis Whyld/EMPICS Sport
If you think Kevin Doyle’s situation is bad, spare a thought for Stephen Hunt. The former Reading and Hull City winger finds himself without a club having been released by Wolves back in May.
Hunt has endured an awful time with injuries, and as well as being unattached, has been replaced by younger players at international level and, as it stands, is unlikely to play again for Ireland.
Millwall were reported as being interested in acquiring his services in the past week but nothing solid has emerged yet.
5. Shay Given
Credit: John Walton/EMPICS Sport
Now retired from international football, some could argue that Shay Given is also semi-retired at club level. Ireland’s record caps holder called time on his illustrious career with the Boys in Green a year ago. After a shaky start with Aston Villa last season, the Donegal native was stripped of his number one jersey and US stopper Brad Guzan took his place.
In the past 12 months, Given has only been involved in cup competitions for Villa and was believed to be on his way out this summer. Doncaster Rovers showed an interest last month but, according to reports, he turned down the chance to leave.
The 37-year-old could surely still do a job, but the question is… does he want to?
5 Irish players who could do with a move this week
1. Kevin Doyle
WHEN WOLVES SUFFERED their second consecutive demotion to England’s third tier, it was expected that Wexford’s Kevin Doyle would be one of a number of high profile exits. Yet, four games into the League One season and with less than a week to go before the transfer deadline closes, the striker remains in the Black Country.
Celtic’s interest has been well-publicised over the past year but it seems to have waned with his high wages likely to be a stumbling block for most potential suitors. Doyle has been omitted from recent Ireland squads and when asked Giovanni Trapattoni pointed to his club’s lowly status.
Last week, Wolves boss Kenny Jackett suggested that the player may not be going anywhere but, at 29, he is desperately in need of a fresh start at the top level.
2. James McCarthy
As recently as this afternoon, Everton manager Roberto Martinez was being quoted as saying that they had not made a bid for Wigan midfielder James McCarthy. Undoubtedly one of the Latics’ most talented players, the Scottish-born Ireland international was tipped for a swift return to the Premier League but is facing the prospect of having to spend a year in the Championship.
Any chance of a deal with the Toffees could depend on whether or not Marouane Fellaini departs for Manchester United. Watch this space.
3. Stephen Ireland
What can you say about Stephen Ireland that hasn’t already been said? Since arriving at Aston Villa as part of the deal which saw James Milner go in the opposite direction to Manchester City in 2010, the enigmatic midfielder has showed rare flashes of his ability but, as a whole, has been an enormous flop.
Although he is still only 27, his best football could, astonishingly, be behind him. There have been suggestions of a move to the MLS but nothing has materialised – which isn’t surprising considering he is one of Villa’s highest earners on around £65,000-per-week.
He is currently part of the group nicknamed the ‘Bomb Squad’ with likes of Alan Hutton, Charles N’Zogbia, Darren Bent and Enda Stevens (before the latter pair left) who were handed high squad numbers and deemed surplus to requirements by Paul Lambert.
4. Stephen Hunt
If you think Kevin Doyle’s situation is bad, spare a thought for Stephen Hunt. The former Reading and Hull City winger finds himself without a club having been released by Wolves back in May.
Hunt has endured an awful time with injuries, and as well as being unattached, has been replaced by younger players at international level and, as it stands, is unlikely to play again for Ireland.
Millwall were reported as being interested in acquiring his services in the past week but nothing solid has emerged yet.
5. Shay Given
Now retired from international football, some could argue that Shay Given is also semi-retired at club level. Ireland’s record caps holder called time on his illustrious career with the Boys in Green a year ago. After a shaky start with Aston Villa last season, the Donegal native was stripped of his number one jersey and US stopper Brad Guzan took his place.
In the past 12 months, Given has only been involved in cup competitions for Villa and was believed to be on his way out this summer. Doncaster Rovers showed an interest last month but, according to reports, he turned down the chance to leave.
The 37-year-old could surely still do a job, but the question is… does he want to?
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COYBIG Ireland James McCarthy Kevin Doyle Shay Given Stephen hunt Stephen Ireland