Irwin keeps Wolves waiting

FORMER Republic of Ireland international Denis Irwin will decide in the next week if he will remain in top flight football for another season.

Irwin, 37, has been in contract negotiations with Premiership new boys Wolverhampton Wanderers for the last number of months but has yet to put pen to paper with regards to his future with the club.

The veteran defender reported for training at Wolves base at RAF Cosford yesterday. However he stressed that he is yet to finalise his plans.

"Yes I was at training yesterday but I have still to make a decision on my future," the former Manchester United star said last night.

However, Wolves manager Dave Jones hopes that both Irwin and 35-year-old Paul Ince, who were so instrumental in bringing the club to the top flight after a 19-year absence will remain on board as they aim to consolidate their position.

"It was a matter of them deciding whether they could go for another season and they think they can.

"Now it's a matter of the detail of the contracts. We hope to be able to announce something soon," he said.

Meanwhile, Irwin and many of his former Oldham Athletic team mates are lending their support to saving the troubled second division outfit.

The All-Star Latics Survival Match has been organised at Boundary Park on Saturday in a bid to save Athletic from extinction due to financial woes.

Other players who will be taking part include another ex-United star, the former Oldham boss Andy Ritchie.

"We want to raise funds but it will be tinged with a bit of sadness," said Ritchie.

Ritchie and Irwin will line up for the Wembley Wizards the Oldham side that played in the League Cup

Final in 1990 and took Manchester United to a replay in the FA Cup semi-final.

Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey who is continuing talks with Irwin and Ince revealed the Barclaycard Premiership newcomers hope to announce further new signings this week after agreeing a one-year deal with Nigerian World Cup player Isaac Okoronkwo.

The 25-year-old centre-half has moved from Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk, with ex-Arsenal defender Oleg Luzhny expected to join him shortly in the Black Country.

"Getting promotion has opened doors for us to be able to get players of this quality. I'm delighted we have signed him.

"We are a long way down the road to another signing, which we hope to be able to tell the fans about tomorrow," he said.