Hutton set to leave Derry

Two prominent members of Derry City's title-winning team appeared to be on the way out of the club last night with Peter Hutton looking set for a £30,000 move to Portadown - although Shelbourne and Glentoran have also expressed an interest in the player - and Gary Beckett expected to sign for Omagh Town today. Derry manager Felix Healy was also involved in moves to buy in players yesterday, with Ballymena forward Barry Patton topping a list which also includes former Crusaders goalkeeper Kevin McKeown. However, Ballymena last night refused Derry permission to speak to Patton, so Healy may have to look elsewhere for a replacement for Beckett.

The departure of Hutton follows an approach to City by Portadown manager Ronnie McFaul for his midfield partner Paul Heggarty.

"Ronnie was on several times about Paul and during our discussions moved on to other players. Peter will obviously be a loss to the club, but the fact of the matter is that every player has his price and when we heard the offer, we felt it was worth considering," said Healy.

Two other clubs, one from each side of the border, last night entered the bidding for the midfielder who was named as the league's Personality Of The Year last season despite something of a loss in form over the closing phase of the season. Beckett, meanwhile, who scored 11 goals last season, but who has failed to find the mark so far this year, may take some time out before deciding upon his future options.

"We're having talks with a few people," said Healy yesterday, "including Ayr United about McKeown, who was the Irish League Player Of The Year up here during his time with Crusaders."

There was activity of a different kind at Shelbourne yesterday where a number of players were considered doubtful for Friday night's clash with league leaders St Patrick's Athletic after a bout of flu struck several members of the squad.

Manager Damien Richardson is hoping to have central defender Pat Scully back from injury for the game, while as an insurance against any worsening of the flu situation, he was last night seeking clearance from the US Soccer Federation to register American-based player Jimmy McGeogh. Shelbourne have also announced that members of schoolboy teams will be admitted to Friday night's game free of charge as long as each group is accompanied by at least two paying adults.