McHugh helps out old friend

Harry McHugh, the former Dundalk and Athlone defender, has joined Drogheda United as Martin Lawlor's assistant. Recently returned to this country after a spell in Australia, the league medal-winning centre half, who played alongside his new boss at Oriel Park, took up his new post with the Premier Division strugglers on Sunday.

McHugh saw United beat Dundalk on penalties after the inaugural playing of the Jim Malone Memorial Cup had finished 2-2. Drogheda used the game to try out several new players, including goalkeeper Paul Whelan who was last week named in the Irish under-21 squad.

Whelan has recently joined Shelbourne after a spell with Oxford, but Damien Richardson said last week that he is keen that the youngster should have the opportunity to play regular first-team football and that a loan arrangement with another club would be welcome.

"Paul played very well and made two superb penalty saves in the shoot-out," said Lawlor yesterday, "but nothing is decided at this stage. We need to create some competition for players and we'll have a game amongst ourselves this week to have another look at one or two people, but there are no deadlines in terms of finalising our panel."

Also trying out for United on Sunday were Rod de Khors and Paddy McDonagh, both of whom did well in the game. However, they are also likely to have to wait before finding out if United are to make them an offer for the season.

Cork manager Dave Barry, meanwhile, is confident that striker Jason Kabia will be fit for this weekend's trip to Finn Harps. The Englishman received five stitches to an ankle injury on Friday night at Tolka Park and will not train this week, but Barry said yesterday that the 23-year-old was "very likely" to be available on Saturday.

RTE's next live match will be the Dublin derby between St Patrick's Athletic and Bohemians at Richmond Park on Saturday, October 18th.