Irish go in search of contracts

FORMER Shamrock Rovers assistant manager Trevor Croly takes a 19-man squad of out of work League of Ireland players to Oslo this morning to play two hour-long games on Friday, in the second annual winter tournament organised by FIFPro, the international players’ union.

The Irish will play Sweden, and then the winners of a game between Norway and Finland.

“The ultimate goal is for players to get contracts,” said Croly at yesterday’s announcement of the travelling party. “That’s why we are here. Whether that is in Ireland or Sweden or Norway or wherever it may be.”