Town midfielder Jim Magilton is in the Northern Ireland squad which plays Yugoslavia at Windsor Park two days before Town's Premiership kick-off with Spurs. Town manager George Burley said he was unhappy at the timing: "It is not ideal preparation having Jim away for a few days in the week leading up to our first game of the new season." He also praised the Ulsterman saying he was playig some of his best football of his career.

Little new on the transfer front this morning. Some papers seem desperate to revive the Russell Latapy story denied by George Burley as long ago as late July. Also suggested is that the change of manager at Crystal Palace might renew links with Hayden Mullins, although I would have thought that the new ownership and lack of massive debts would have made any move for Mullins less likely. The Gary Naysmith/Colin Cameron link with Hearts seems a strong one with sources suggesting that the Naysmith link may not be as dead as has been reported. Hearts are broke and may need to find some cash urgently, especially if they find themselves dumped out of the UEFA Cup in which they play at IBV Vestmann (what a great name!) tomorrow.

Matt Holland is still not training while John McGreal and Mark Venus came through Monday's reserve run-out with Norwich with no ill effects.

Adam Tanner scored a penalty in Colchester's 1-0 win at Bury Town. Tanner played the full 90 minutes in defence. Steve Whitton said that Tanner will have to prove himself in a few reserve games, before a contract will be offered.

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