St Ledger joins Middlesbrough on loan

REPUBLIC of Ireland international defender Sean St Ledger has joined Middlesbrough from Preston on a three-month loan deal with a view to a permanent move in January.

The 24-year-old defender joined Preston in the summer of 2006 and played more than 130 games for them.

Meanwhile, Stoke’s Irish midfielder Glenn Whelan has committed his future to the club by signing a new four-year contract.

The 25-year-old moved to the Britannia Stadium from Sheffield Wednesday for £500,000 in January 2008.

“I’m obviously delighted to have secured my future here with the club,” said Whelan.

“I’ve worked hard since I arrived here and it’s great to have been rewarded with a new deal.”

One man who won’t be playing for Ireland is Aston Villa youngster Shane Lowry.

Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek has convinced the defender to switch allegiances from Ireland to his native Australia.

Lowry was born in Perth but played at U21 level or Ireland.

Lowry and fellow Perth native Chris Herd, set to play for Australia at the U20s World Cup in Egypt, have yet to represent Aston Villa at senior level.

Under FIFA rules Lowry is able to change his allegiance before his 21st birthday as long as he has not represented Ireland at senior level. He is set to speak with Verbeek this week.

A spokesman for the Football Association of Ireland confirmed Lowry’s decision.