TWTD understands that trialist Vinny Faherty scored twice as Town's reserves defeated Millwall 3-1 in a behind-closed-doors friendly at Playford Road last Tuesday. Irish striker Faherty, 19, currently plays for Salthill Devon and was in the side which was crowned Eircom U21 League champions last month.

Woodbridge Town frontman Joe Francis added the other goal as the Blues continue to keep an eye on the 20-year-old's progress.

Town have taken a number of players on trial during the transfer window, including Polish international right-back Marcin Wasilewski. The Blues management took a brief look at the 26-year-old, who subsequently joined Anderlecht in Belgium.

Meanwhile, Robbie Winters's agent has told the Norwegian press that he contacted the Blues a fortnight ago regarding the SK Brann player's availability. The 32-year-old former Aberdeen player has spent the last week on trial at Oldham and manager John Sheridan is considering whether to offer him a deal. Last weekend's tabloids first linked Town with the one-time Scotland international.

Ex-Blue Tommy Miller's Sunderland career may not be over, according to boss Roy Keane. Miller, who was close to signing for Preston earlier this month, scored twice in a 3-2 reserves victory over Gretna and Keane says the former Hartlepool man is back in his plans: "Tommy's been excellent since he came back and I have to say that he does come into consideration for future games at this stage.

"We spoke to Preston North End about the possibility of him moving there permanently. But that fell through and nothing will come of that now.

"Obviously we don't know exactly what might happen over the next couple of weeks but as things stand he's a Sunderland player and he's done well since his return.

"And I have to say he has given himself a good chance of getting involved over the next few weeks with his efforts since he returned."

Cork City chairman Brian Lennox has hit out at British clubs for their attitude when trying to sign players from the Eircom League. The Blues finally captured Cork's George O'Callaghan last week, while Reading are keen on signing Rebels' defender Alan Bennett.

Lennox blasted: "Who do these people think they are to come here and talk to us like second class citizens? Do they think Britain is still an Imperial power and Ireland still one of their colonies?

"Do they think we should tip our cap and say 'yes sir, no sir' just because we have assets who they think should belong to them.

"I'm sick to death of their arrogance, of the way they speak to us, of the way they offer pennies for our top guys who are worth a hell of a lot more to them.

"It's about time every club in Ireland stood up and said no more. Having said all that, it would help if the people of Ireland began to show a bit more respect for our league than for theirs.

"If they did then it would be easier for us to hold onto our players. As it is, things are difficult because these clubs come over here and sell this dream to players.

"They talk big but they don't spend big. They don't pay the requisite fee. Yet when Reading were chasing a defender from Colchester, they were bidding in excess of €1 million. Yet for Alan Bennett, they only offered a fraction of that price. It's time someone stood up to them."

Former Town centre-half Tony Vaughan is set to join Conference North side Hucknall Town, the club which sacked Kevin Wilson as manager last week. Former Town loanee Andy Legg is now in charge.

Reported Town target Pawel Abbott is set to sign for Swansea City on Monday. The Swans have failed in a bid to charter a train to next Saturday's FA Cup tie at Portman Road due to maintenance work on the line. Instead the Welsh club are laying on subsidised coaches for the 4,000-plus fans expected to make the trip to Suffolk.

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