Just a matter of days after the manager himself played the idea down when he was asked directly, Mick McCarthy is reported to be keen on saving at least a couple of his old Irish contingent at Wolves from having to play League One football next season.

The Ipswich Town boss may now be ready to sign Kevin Doyle and Stephen Ward from his former club along with Karl Henry.

Irish youth international Alan Judge, who has attracted a fair bit of attention after a good year at Notts County, is also said to be a target for McCarthy who has this week released several members of his squad, including Ronan Murray and Derry teenager Cormac Burke.

However, his chances of raiding the Wolves team is likely to depend on who gets the vacant job there.

Kenny Jackett, who resigned from Millwall during the week, is thought to be the frontrunner but Owen Coyle has apparently made it known that he would welcome an approach.

Another former Republic of Ireland international, Phil Babb, has become the manager of Conference South outfit Hayes and Yeading.

“I’ve watched many games at this level and know what a tough division it is,” said the 42-year-old.

“But believe I have the skills to help in the building of a successful club and nurture some great young talent.”

Peterborough United, meanwhile, have announced that Daniel Kearns is amongst the players being let go by manager Darren Ferguson as he starts to prepare for life in League One.

The 21-year-old, who previously had spells with West Ham and Dundalk, spent the latter part of this season on loan with Rotherham United and failed to make a single start for the London Road outfit during the campaign just ended.