Irish quintet on the move

WHEN Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni names his squad for February’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Georgia on Monday, he’ll be talking about a number of players suddenly plying their trade in pastures new.

On a hectic day in the transfer window for the Irish, Hull stepped up their winter recruitment with the capture of Ireland stalwart Kevin Kilbane from Wigan, while his international colleague and former Liverpool defender Steve Finnan could follow.

Republic of Ireland winger Kilbane, 31, has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract at the KC Stadium after the two clubs agreed an undisclosed fee.