Brentford boss Andy Scott says he asked Town manager Roy Keane regarding the availability of striker Jordan Rhodes prior to Wednesday's friendly at Griffin Park, which the Blues won 3-1 with the 19-year-old scoring the final goal. Rhodes spent much of last season on loan with the Bees.

Scott says that at the moment a further loan spell doesn't look likely: "I spoke to Roy before the game but that is the first time he has had the chance to see what Jordan can do.
"I'd love to have him back here but he knows he has to impress Roy and see what happens at Ipswich.

"If he carries on doing that and if he does what he did here he'll impress anyone, because he's a good player, a fantastic kid and I hope he does well wherever he goes.”

Rhodes will get a further chance to impress Keane during the two-game trip to Ireland, which sees the Blues face Waterford United this evening (KO 8pm) and Cork City on Sunday (KO 4pm).

The Town manager says that with the League of Ireland currently in full flow, both sides will give his team a test, but with Cork the more severe: "I would expect Cork to be a tougher game than Waterford as they are in the higher league but, as we found out against Finn Harps, these teams don't give us a minute's peace.

"We are improving on last week and that is the idea of pre-season and what we need now is after seven games to be ready for Coventry.”

Town fans have been invited to the aptly named Norris's Bar at 73 Barrack Road ahead of this evening's game, while Cork-based Blues have suggested travelling supporters visit the Turners Cross Tavern or The Evergreen which are right by the ground on Sunday.

TWTD's Phil has contributed to tonight's Waterford programme and also to the Cork City fanzine Going Commando which is out Sunday and aims to interest Town fans as well as home supporters.

Elsewhere, Town target James McCarthy looks set to join Wigan ahead of Wolves, his current club Hamilton having agreed a fee with both Premier League sides. Boss Roy Keane made a trip to Scotland to watch midfielder McCarthy in action in May.

Former Blues loanee Mark Fish is set to be named the coach of Thanda Royal Zulu back in his native South Africa.

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