NEWS ROUND-UP:SUNDERLAND BOSS Steve Bruce has offered to intervene in midfielder Andy Reid's stand-off with Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni.
The 27-year-old has dropped out of the Republic reckoning since a much-publicised bust-up with the Italian in the wake of the 2-1 World Cup qualifying victory over Georgia in Germany last September which got their campaign off to the perfect start.
However, the clamour for the two men to resolve their differences has grown since Reid returned to Wearside for pre-season training – having shed more than a stone in weight – and since proved himself a key member of Bruce’s side.
The Sunderland manager said: “I have had a conversation with Andy and that has to remain confidential. I hope after the World Cup campaign there can be some sort of compromise.
“It is a shame because his bit of quality against France [in last week’s World Cup play-off second leg] might have made the difference.
“It is a shame that he is not representing his country. I know in his condition he is arguably playing at the height of his profession. He has arguably been our best player this season.
“If Andy wanted me to, then I would have the conversation, of course I would. But I will keep what we have talked about to myself.”
Ipswich manager Roy Keane has made an approach to take Carlisle United defender Ian Harte on loan, according to the BBC. Harte, who is the Carlisle’s top scorer in League One this season with seven goals, is a former Republic of Ireland team-mate of Keane and had a spell at Sunderland during Keane’s reign as manager.
Former Leeds and Levante defender Harte (32) joined Carlisle on a permanent deal this summer after a successful short-term spell last term.
Carlisle yesterday confirmed an approach been made by Ipswich for one of their players but have refused to reveal the identity of Keane’s target.
Manager Greg Abbott said: “There has been a question asked about one of our players and we are aware of the speculation.
“But we are very much focused on what is a very tough run of fixtures at this moment in time.”
Former St Patrick’s Athletic manager Jeff Kenna has returned to Birmingham City as a community development coach.
Kenna (39), who resigned as St Patrick’s Athletic manager in September, still lives close to Birmingham. He will train local teenagers as part of the club’s Football Development and Education Programme.
Following a spell at Galway United, Kenna became manager at St Patrick’s Athletic in January and although the club had a good run in the Europa League their League of Ireland form was poor and a defeat to First Division Waterford United in the quarter-final of the FAI Cup led to Kenna’s resignation on September 18th.
Burnley have signed Republic of Ireland Under-17 centre-back Neil Yadolahi from Dublin-based club St Kevin’s Boys.
