Keith Andrews' career is in crisis after a week when he discovered he was unwanted by both Bolton Wanderers and Watford.
Contracted to Bolton, the former Ireland midfielder has spent this season on loan with Watford until the Hornets' recently appointed manager, Slavisa Jokanovic, decided he was surplus to requirements.
So even though Watford had signed Andrews on a loan deal until the end of this season, his time at Vicarage Road is up. No longer training with the club, he is in limbo as Bolton are also uninterested in his services.
To further complicate matters, the 34-year-old is one of Bolton's highest-paid players, which could dissuade would-be recruiters from offering him a short-term deal.
"I decided to separate Keith Andrews from my team," said Jokanovic. "He didn't understand my decision, he probably didn't understand me very well and probably had some problems communicating with me."
If Andrews is feeling unlucky, then his sense of misfortune is shared by Irish goalkeeper Rob Elliot, whose patient wait for a place in the Newcastle starting XI has met with disaster.
Taking over from the injured Tim Krul, Elliot was just three games into his spell as Magpies No 1 when he picked up a thigh injury during the victory over Chelsea last weekend. He will be out for six or seven games.
Meanwhile, QPR manager Harry Redknapp yesterday distanced himself from any potential reunion with Ireland captain Robbie Keane, who played under him at Tottenham.
LA Galaxy striker Keane strongly hinted this week that he was interested in a transfer back to England.
Redknapp, however, believes he will stay. "We have not made an approach for Robbie," he said. "He has gone over to the USA and he hasn't gone for a holiday. He's been an amazing footballer. He belongs to LA Galaxy."
Cork City made an enquiry yesterday about James Chambers, the out of contract midfielder, who helped St Pat's win the FAI Cup last season. Pat's too have offered Chambers a new deal.
Pat's defender Kenny Browne successfully underwent knee surgery yesterday and is expected to return in time for the new season. Derry City have re-signed Barry McNamee, while Carl Walshe has penned a new deal with Drogheda United.
Gary Twigg, the Scottish striker who left Shamrock Rovers in 2012 after four successful years with club, may be on the move back to Tallaght at the end of this Irish League season.
Irish Independent
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