IT had been a sharp learning curve for Mick McCarthy in his first campaign as Irish manager.

The money men at Hillsborough all breathed a huge sigh of relief today when another eight players were struck off the club’s wage bill – although Chris Turner took no pleasure in the task.

Sheffield Wednesday's Gilles de Bilde is set to quit Hillsborough for a loan deal to an unnamed Spanish outfit.

Sheffield Wednesday striker Gilles de Bilde has returned to Hillsborough after a three-month loan spell at Aston Villa.