Midfielder Owen Garvan made his first appearance for the senior Irish side as a sub on Monday evening as Giovanni Trapattoni's men defeated Lagos 3-1 in their second training match in the Algarve. Fellow Blue Alex Bruce was also in the side.

Garvan was introduced at half-time, while Bruce played the full 90 minutes as he did on Sunday when the Irish side drew 1-1 with Portimonese. Glenn Whelan, Darren Potter and Andy Keogh scored the goals in Monday's game.

The training camp is preparation for friendlies with Serbia on Saturday 24th May at Croke Park and Colombia on Thursday 29th May at Craven Cottage. Bruce has one full Irish cap, while Garvan is yet to win his first.

Elsewhere, Town will name their new sponsor today, E.ON having decided against extending their sponsorship beyond the end of this season. Contrary to reports, SnOasis won't be the name revealed with the planned winter sports centre having ruled themselves out.

Meanwhile, Northampton full-back Jason Crowe is reported to have been the reason for Jim Magilton making a trip to watch the Cobblers play Tranmere earlier this month. The 29-year-old has been linked with a number of Championship clubs and was close to joining Plymouth in January, but Northampton are keen to keep hold of the former Arsenal trainee.

Over the weekend Town were linked with Northampton keeper Mark Bunn but the 23-year-old wasn't involved in that game. Bunn, valued at £1 million by his club, is rated as one of the top English keepers in the lower leagues and recently had a spell training with Manchester City.

Republic of Ireland: J Murphy (Westwood 65), Kelly (Foley 60), Bruce, McShane, Delaney (Miller 82), Duff (Scannell 65), Potter (Garvan 46), Whelan (Rowlands 75), Hunt (McPhail 57), Doyle (Long 62), Keogh (D Murphy 70).

Photo: Action Images

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