Cathal Dervan's sports digest

Dunne Wanted

Sunderland have upped the ante in the chase for Manchester City’s Irish defender Richard Dunne, with chairman Niall Quinn keen to land his former international teammate.

“Richard is a player who is an excellent footballer but he is a Man City player until they say any different and we stand in a line,” Quinn told the Daily Mail.

“We are not the only admirers, but if there is a chink of light we will get through it if we can. We probably need a few men and spirited people to lift what we have and of course Richard Dunne would fit the bill.”

Kenny Suspended

Former Irish goalkeeper Paddy Kenny has been suspended by Sheffield United pending further action after he failed a drugs test following the Championship playoff against Preston at the end of last season.

Kenny’s sample is believed to have tested positive for the banned substance, ephedrine, which is believed to have been contained in a cough mixture that he is understood to have bought over the counter.

 

Ireland Again

Ireland assistant boss Marco Tardelli has confirmed that Giovanni Trapattoni intends to sit down with maverick midfielder Stephen Ireland in the near future.

“He’s an important player for Ireland, but we also have other important players and they have worked very hard. If he wants to come back, then we are happy, no problem,” said Tardelli.

 

Soccer Shorts

Bohs want to keep on loan Celtic winger Graham Carey at Dalymount Park until the end of the League of Ireland season as he contemplates a new contract offer at Parkhead . . .

The FAI have announced losses of some €16.2 million for 2008, but chief executive John Delaney is adamant they will return to profit in 2009 . . .

Shamrock Rovers have offered free scoring striker Gary Twigg a new improved contract following his successful move from Scotland . . .

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Nster.com