O’Callaghan set for dream Tranmere debut against Liverpool

GEORGE O’CALLAGHAN is set to make a dream debut with Tranmere Rovers in a televised Merseyside derby friendly with Liverpool today just two days after completing his switch from Cork City.

O’Callaghan departed Turner’s Cross after his second stint with his hometown club lasted just over four months, but he is now relishing the opportunity to line out with the League One outfit against the Reds.

“I’m really happy to come to Tranmere and I’m looking forward to the start of the season,” he said.

“Hopefully I’ll be able to score quite a few goals from midfield and create some chances for my new team-mates as well.”

O’Callaghan faced Liverpool in an FA Cup tie in 1998 with his first professional club, Port Vale.

He has agreed a two-year deal at Prenton Park and is joined by another new arrival, ex-Millwall man — and former team mate of O’Callaghan’s at Brighton — Bas Savage.

Rovers boss Ronnie Moore is happy to have the pair on board and in contention for places immediately.

“I’m really pleased with both signings,” says Moore. “George is a creative, goalscoring midfielder. He is good on the ball, can pick out a pass and can shoot with either foot. He will add quality to the centre of our midfield.

“Last season we were lacking goals from midfield and George will play a big part in solving that. He has an exceptional strike rate for a midfielder,” added Moore ahead of today’s clash at a sold-out Prenton Park (live on Setanta Sports, ko 3pm).

“Rafa will bring the strongest side that he needs to but whoever plays, they play for Liverpool, so they’re going to be good players and it will be a tough game that’s for sure.”

O’Callaghan left City after requesting a move from boss Alan Mathews after re-signing from Ipswich Town in January. He previously played a pivotal role in the club’s march to the league title in 2005 before a training ground bust-up with then manager Damien Richardson marked the beginning of the end of his first spell there.

Meanwhile, Bohemians welcome Latvian side FK Riga to Dalymount today with their Intertoto Cup second-round second-leg clash finely balanced (ko 3pm).

The Gypsies trail by a single goal after the first leg narrow away defeat last week.

Manager Pat Fenlon is expected to make several changes, with Owen Heary, Ken Oman, John-Paul Kelly, and Neale Fenn, who made a real impression when introduced in Latvia, all due to be restored to the line-up.

Jason Byrne will have to prove his fitness this morning after limping out of the first leg.

Bohs will have to keep a close watch on midfielder Valerijs Leonovs, who impressed in the first game and scored the vital goal, but a full-strength Bohs will be confident of overturning the deficit.