Irish quintet on the move
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.
Finnan underwent a medical with the Tigers yesterday after Espanyol agreed to let the player return to the Premier League just five months after he left Anfield for Spain.
The Republic right back, will effectively replace his compatriot Paul McShane following his recall from a season-long loan by Sunderland.
Kilbane is likely to go straight into the squad for tomorrow’s clash with Arsenal and declared: “Hull was definitely an attractive move. I wanted to stay in the Premier League because you want to play as many games in the top flight as you can. Once I’d spoken to Phil Brown, it became clear in my mind that I wanted to come here.”
Wigan boss Steve Bruce admitted he was reluctant to let Kilbane go but, with an offer of regular first-team football at Hull, did not want to stand in his way.
Bruce said: “I’m disappointed to lose a very experienced squad member in Kevin and a true professional in every sense.
“However, at his age, I can understand he wants to be playing regularly — something which we have not been able to offer him of late.”
Finnan, who has recently recovered from a leg injury, retired from international football last January before making a U-turn in August and has vast experience after five years with Liverpool and a previous stint in the top flight with Fulham.
The 32-year-old left Liverpool last summer after losing his place to Alvaro Arbeloa but he failed to make an impact at Espanyol after being hampered by injuries and the sacking of coach Tintin Marquez.
Meanwhile QPR have completed the signing of Sunderland midfielder Liam Miller for an undisclosed fee. The 27-year-old Republic of Ireland international has put pen to paper on a deal until the end of the season and could go straight into the squad which travels to Derby on Saturday.
“It’s a great move for me. The club is definitely heading in the right direction and when you look around the squad you can see the quality on offer,” Miller said.
Meanwhile, Sheffield Wednesday have bolstered their squad with the loan signing of Wolves’ Irish midfielder Darren Potter until the end of the season.
Owls boss Brian Laws is now set to hand the Republic international his debut in tomorrow’s clash with struggling Charlton.
One Irish starlet who won’t be moving though is Hamilton Academicals midfield ace James McCarthy — though he could be on his way at the end of the season.
The 18-year-old Republic of Ireland starlet has attracted the attention of Middlesbrough but the player’s advisor, George Gray, has revealed that McCarthy is in no rush to quit life under Billy Reid.
Gray said: “There has been contact with Middlesbrough, but James will be going nowhere in this window. James is perfectly happy at Hamilton and in no hurry to leave.’’
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
