Holland keeps silent on move

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND international Matt Holland remained tight-lipped yesterday on his imminent transfer from Ipswich to the first division champions and Premiership newcomers, Portsmouth.

Though Holland was making no comment, his international manager Brian Kerr stressed that the player was unaffected by transfer developments, as the national side prepared for their crucial meetings with Albania and Georgia. Kerr did admit that he welcomed the idea of his players representing clubs at the highest level.

“I think it is always better that players play at the highest level they can. It’s testing their ability. International football is special, the Champions’ League in the final stages maybe at a higher standard at times but players need to play at a good level on a regular basis to be able to survive in international football.