Irish News

Shay Given made a timely appearance for Newcastle in last nights League Cup win against Barnsley. He has been out with a groin strain for almost a month but came through the game unscathed. He will now be in the team for the double headers against Slovakia and Czech Republic.

Clive Clarke's condition has improved since his heart scare on Tuesday night. The Irishman will remain in hospital for further tests until doctors can say what happened to him.

His chairman Milan Mandric told Leicester.co.uk:

"While everybody at the club was hit by sadness caused by such a tragic event, we have now been lifted by the remarkable progress Clive has made over the past 24 hours.
My thoughts and those of the players and everyone connected to this club are with Clive and his family at this time. We hope he makes a speedy recovery.

The club also wanted to place on record the support and special wishes received from clubs and fans all over the country wishing Clive well.

Ian Harte joins former Irish team-mate Roy Keane in the Irish revoloution at The Stadium of Light. He left Levante a few weeks ago for free after both parties agreed to terminate his last year on his contract. He signed a one year deal and will bring much needed experience to the Sunderland squad.

He told http://www.safc.com/

"It's great to be back in the Premier League and I'm raring to go, I want to get playing as soon as possible.

"This is a good opportunity for me at a massive club like Sunderland, and there are plenty of Irish lads here to make me feel welcome."

He was hoping to play in the Sunderland vs Newcastle reserves match but the Spanish FA didn't give clearance for him as they still hold his registration.