Shels target ex-Derry keeper Eddie Beach for Euro opener

Injuries to both Wessel Spiel and Conor Walsh have left Shelbourne's goalkeeping options bare

Eddie Beach joined Derry on loan from Kilmarnock for the first part of the season, keeping six clean sheets over his 20 appearances. Pic: ©INPHO/Lorcan Doherty

Shelbourne are looking to recruit former Derry City custodian Eddie Beach to cure their goalkeeping crisis ahead of Thursday’s European campaign kicking off.

Injuries to both Wessel Spiel and Conor Walsh left new Reds boss John Russell turning to 18-year-old Finn Moylan as a debutant between the sticks for Friday’s FAI Cup trip to Kerry.

After a 2-2 draw, the First Division side caused the shock of the second round by prevailing in a penalty shoot-out.

With neither stopper available for Thursday’s Conference League second round, first leg visit by Nomme Kalju to Tolka Park, Shels have turned to a ‘keeper they faced earlier this season.

Former Chelsea and Southampton youth netminder Beach joined Derry on loan from Kilmarnock for the first part of the season, keeping six clean sheets over his 20 appearances.

He recently returned to his parent club in Scotland once Derry’s first-choice Brian Maher recovered from injury but could be on his way back within three weeks due following interest from Shels. The 22-year-old has another year left on his contract at Killie.

Meanwhile, Shamrock Rovers were unable to complete a deal with Sligo Rovers to sign Will Fitzgerald in time for Sunday’s trip to Armenia.

The Irish Examiner revealed on Friday that a bid of €75,000 had been lodged for the Sligo captain – whose contract expires at the end of the season.

Bohemians, whose manager Alan Reynolds worked with Fitzgerald at Waterford, are also interested in the 27-year-old but the Hoops are favourites. Sligo left their skipper on the bench for Saturday’s FAI Cup victory at non-league Janesboro, meaning he’s not Cup tied for another new employer.

“We’re trying but it’s tight,” said Rovers boss manager Stephen Bradley on Friday about his attempts to complete the transfer of an unidentified target.

“Ronan Finn (Rovers’ Director of Football) has been working hard, to be fair. I probably speak to him 20 times a day at this rate and we’re close with one.

“If it doesn’t happen, we’ll obviously push to make it happen next week or the week after.”