Drogheda target O'Callaghan offered new deal by City

CORK CITY have offered a new contract to George O'Callaghan against the backdrop of a bid for the player by Drogheda United, as the July transfer window opens in the eircom League.

The midfielder's contract expires at the end of the season and he is considering his position after meeting with manager Damien Richardson and chairman Brian Lennox yesterday.

"I can understand Drogheda being keen to sign him because he is a very good player," said Richardson. "I've asked him to come back to me with a decision as soon as possible to be fair to everyone."

With Kevin Doyle having already been sold to Reading, Richardson would be reluctant to lose another key member of his team.

"I thought that if Kevin Doyle had stayed to the end of the season, he would have scored 25 goals which would have taken us to the league title," said the Cork boss. "But it would also have given Kevin an exposure and an experience that he has never had before and I think that at the end of the season he could have gone to the Premiership. Similarly, I think the demands here are the perfect challenge for George at this stage of his career. If he progresses the way I think he will, then I think will go all the way to the top as well."

Richardson is hoping to hear from Shamrock Rovers striker Stephen Grant over the next day or two about a proposed move to Cork. "I would love him to join us because I think he would add a particular individual talent to the club and I think the club would be good for him," said the manager.

Meanwhile, City take a three point lead at the top of the Premier Division to Belfield tonight where they will meet a full-strength UCD. While the students welcome back Damien Dupuy, Anto Murphy and Alan Mahon, City are without Colin O'Brien (ankle), Billy Woods (knee) and Denis Behan (fractured cheekbone).

Waterford United travel to Dalymount Park having released Alan Reynolds from the last six months of his contract. Shelbourne are now hot favourites to sign the former Blues player-manager. With the legendary Alfie Hale set to rejoin the club in an advisory capacity, the first priority for caretaker boss Giles Cheevers is to avoid five defeats in-a-row against a Bohemians side who are looking to make it five league wins on the trot.

Second faces third at Tolka Park as Shelbourne play Derry City in front of the Setanta Sports cameras. Colin Hawkins is available again for Shelbourne although Alan Moore and Jamie Harris are still ruled out. Derry will be without Clive Delaney (suspended) and Damien Brennan (knee) meaning Mark McChrystal could start at centre-half.

Meanwhile, in a novel bit of transfer news, Wesley Charles has left Bray Wanderers to join Russian Premier League side FK Rostov. The big defender has been a popular figure at the club for the last five years.

"It's a marvellous opportunity for Wesley and we wish him all the best after the great service he has given us," said manager Pat Devlin.

Bray, minus Charles, visit United Park to take on Drogheda tonight.

In other transfer news, Waterford United skipper John Frost has been linked with St Pat's, while Longford Town are reportedly interested in Shels midfielder Alan Cawley.