Former St Patrick’s Athletic star Paul Osam has been confirmed as the new Republic of Ireland U16 head coach and will take charge of the side for the forthcoming Victory Shield competition taking place in Wales next month.

JOHN MORLING’S Republic of Ireland U16 team were denied victory by a late Israel equaliser in their friendly international in Ra’anana, southern Israel, yesterday.

Cork City have signed Brian O’Callaghan from Notts County and Cathal Lordan from Ipswich Town for the remainder of the 2006 season.