Three former underage Ireland players arrested in spot-fixing probe

Three former Republic of Ireland underage internationals - Graham Cummins, Stephen Dawson and Keith Keane - were arrested on Thursday in connection with an investigation into spot-fixing in soccer.

The three, and four other players, have been released on bail and are available for selection this weekend.

Six of the players arrested this week, including Keane (born in England) and Cummins (from Cork), who is currently on loan to Rochdale, play with Preston while Dawson (from Dublin) plays for Barnsley.

The alleged offences involve influencing aspects of the game that do not include the result. All deny any wong-doing.

Preston insist all their players who were arrested and bailed in connection with the alleged spot-fixing remain available for selection at Bristol City today.

The players named are Preston captain John Welsh, Keith Keane, Bailey Wright, David Buchanan, Ben Davies and Graham Cummins.

Barnsley midfielder Stephen Dawson was also arrested and bailed, according to the reports.

Preston said in a statement: “We are disappointed that individual player names are in the public domain given that none of these individuals have been charged with any offence.

“Having had time to meet with all the individuals concerned we reiterate our position that all players will remain available for selection by the manager and that until or unless the current situation changes it will be business as usual.”

In a statement, Barnsley Football Club said they had no comment beyond being “aware of reports in the media in connection with an investigation into individuals suspected of conspiracy to commit acts of bribery and money-laundering relating to conduct during football matches”.

The National Crime Agency on Thursday confirmed that seven players had been arrested, and a further six re-arrested, as part of an investigation into alleged bribery and money-laundering.