EDDIE MAY was yesterday rewarded for his achievement in keeping Dundalk in the Premier Division with a year's extension of his managerial contract.

May, whose previous managerial arraignments included one with Cardiff City, arrived at Dundalk in the closing months of the season and was given much of the credit for their survival in the top grade.

Stephen McPhail of Leeds United has been added to the Republic of Ireland's under 18 squad for the second leg of their European championship tie against Norway at Tolka Park on Tuesday evening.

Brian Kerr, the Irish manager, has already lost two players from his squad and there is a possibility that the Everton defender, Richard Dunne, may also be forced to withdraw.

. Ronnie Whelan has received a vote of confidence from Southend despite the club's relegation to the second division. The former Republic of Ireland player's job was thought to be in jeopardy after a troubled season during which he was briefly suspended following the 3-0 defeat at Manchester City in February.

. Juergen Klinsmann signed for Sampdoria yesterday. The 32 year old German striker's move from Bayern Munich was announced formally by the northwestern serie A club in a short statement that implied a one year contract.

Klinsmann showed his determination to help Bayern to another German league title last night with a superb goal in a crucial 3-0 victory at Hansa Rostock.

The victory gave Bayern a four point lead at the top over Bayer Leverkusen with two games remaining. Leverkusen, who have a game in hand, have a chance to narrow the gap when they meet struggling St Pauli at home today.