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Skyblues boss Peter Reid has opened talks with the 33 year old Babb and ironically it was Reid who brought the central defender back from Portugese side Sporting Lisbon on a free transfer, while he was manager of the Black Cats.
Reid said: "Phil would be a valuable addition to our squad, and having signed him at Sunderland I know what's he's like on and off the pitch."
More irony now, as Babb's last Ireland cap came in September 2002 against Russia in our first Euro 2004 qualifier. It was Mick McCarthy, the manager who has just sent Babb packing from the Stadium Of Light, that gave him the opportunity to impress. Babb's chance backfired though as he scored an own goal.
Shay Given had saved the initial shot from a Russian strike, but it rebounded off the unfortunate Babb and went into the back of his own net.
It was Phil's 35th senior cap for the Republic of Ireland.