Irishmen On The Move

By Ade O`Connor
June 8 2003

Liverpool look set to sign Republic of Ireland wing back Steve Finnan on Monday. The Fulham defender has expressed interest in furthering his career and Anfield could be the ideal place to improve his skills. Finnan, however, is not the only Irishman reported to be on the move.

The Merseyside club’s boss, Gerard Houllier is keen to add Damien Duff of Blackburn to his squad, for £12 million, adding to the £4m he looks set to spend on Steve Finnan.

Though the move for Duff is far from a closed deal, Liverpool will have to contend with competition from Manchester United for one of the most promising attacking players on the market. The Blackburn winger has also commented on his happiness to remain at Ewood Park.

Meanwhile, Damien Duff may not participate in Ireland’s important qualifying game against Georgia on Wednesday evening after limping off with a hamstring strain. Ireland is in an increasingly strong position, following the score draw between Switzerland and Russia on Saturday.

Elsewhere, Matthew Holland is also bound for newly promoted Portsmouth in a £1 million fee. Holland was due to join Mark Kinsella at Aston Villa last summer, but had little desire to move away from Ipswich. Now financial situations at the club make his bargain move a necessity.

David Connolly could attract the interest of a number of Premiership clubs, following Wimbledon’s move into administration. This may open the door to a cut-price move for the former Feyenoord forward away from the club Charles Koppel dictates.

Steven Reid, 22, now looks doubtful to transfer from Millwall, after the East London club turned down a £2m offer from Blackburn Rovers earlier this week. Souness, the Rovers manager, was hoping the Irish player could replace Keith Gillespie.

All Irish players must first pay their attention to the Euro 2004 qualifying match on Wednesday against Georgia at Lansdowne Road.