Blackpool scouts will be in Dundalk this evening to watch Ireland u21 international Daniel Kearns in the Airtricity Premier Division clash between Dundalk & Galway United.
Belfast born Kearns has emerged as a Seasiders target and are considering making a bid for the 19-year-old winger who has caught the eye of Ian Holloway after a string of quality performances for Dundalk.
Kearns is a former West Ham trainee, who spent three years at the London club before being released last May.
He was at the centre of the unsuccessful IFA attempt to block Irish players born in the North from representing Ireland on the international stage. Welcoming the ruling last July, FAI Chief Executive John Delaney said;
“Today’s landmark decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport confirms the FIFA and FAI position on player eligibility. The ruling upholds the right of individual choice on this matter for players born north of the border. I would like to thank the many people from all parts of the island who were strongly supportive during this process, and in particular, recognise the determination of Daniel Kearns and his family to uphold his right as an Irish citizen to play for his country.”
Robbie Keane is hoping to get his loan spell at West Ham off to a scoring start in Wednesday’s crucial Premier clash with Blackpool and is keen to wear his new number 34 shirt for the first time.
Keane has settled well in his first few days at Upton Park and is confident he can leave his mark on West Ham’s fight for Premiership survival.
“I am really pleased to have signed and now I just can’t wait to start training and playing football, I am ready to help West Ham stay in the Premier league, which is the most important thing for this club.”
“I feel as fit as I have ever done in my life and I feel I have plenty left to offer at the highest level for the next four or five years”
“When I went on loan to Celtic I scored seventeen goals in nineteen games, and if I can do even half as well as I did there, then I’d be happy."
“This is an opportunity for me. The team are bottom and the only thing we can do is push up the table. I want to help us do that and avoid relegation."
Blackpool boss Ian Holloway has sang the praises of Seamus Coleman for his impressive progress at Everton this season. Ireland international Coleman spent three months on loan at Blackpool last season and played in the play-off final which saw Blackpool promoted to the Premier league.
In his column for the Independent on Sunday, Holloway wrote: "Seamus Coleman is a wonderful young fella who will be a top-quality attacking right-back in the Premier League. He thanked me earlier in the week for helping him during his loan spell at Blackpool last season. But its me who should be thanking him because I don't think he will ever fully realise how much he helped us.
"I had a situation where one of my players got injured and I needed some cover. I chose Seamus at Everton and we did a loan deal. It was one of the best things I did because he came in and added a new impetus and helped us go all the way to Wembley in the play-offs and win promotion.
"He helped us achieve something we probably didn't dream of. I love the way he plays. He runs with the ball and has a great touch. I tried to get him back on loan this season but David Moyes said no because Seamus would get in his first team. Typical Moyesey, he is a man of his word and put Seamus in. I saw him create Tim Cahill's goal in the Merseyside derby last week and I'm pleased for the lad."
Coleman is likely to feature in Giovanni Tapattoni's Ireland team in a friendly against Norway in Dublin next month.
Ireland u21 international Seamus Coleman's promotion hopes remain on track after his Blackpool side squeezed into the Championship play-offs on Sunday.
The side managed by Ian Holloway endured a nervous afternoon against Bristol City and could only muster a 1-1 draw. Brett Ormerod headed an equaliser after Nicky Maynard gave the visitors the lead with a spectacular 25-yard dipping volley in front of 12,296 fans, the biggest crowd at Bloomfield Road for 30 years.
The draw, though, was good enough as Blackpool finished the season in sixth place, a point ahead of Swansea who drew 0-0 with Doncaster. Blackpool now play Nottingham Forest over two legs, at home on Saturday before visiting the City Ground this day week. The winner will meet either Cardiff City or Leicester City at Wembley on 22 May for a place in the Premier League.
Coleman, from Killybegs in County Donegal, is on loan at Blackpool from Everton and is expected to return to Goodison Park in the summer. Since the 21-year-old joined Blackpool in March, they have taken 20 points from a possible 27, losing only once and that was against Championship winners Newcastle United.
Blackpool are lining up a swoop for Everton and Ireland u21 defender Séamus Coleman ahead of Thursday's loan deadline.
Seasiders boss Ian Holloway is on the look out for a new defender as Stephen Crainey and Ian Evatt are struggling with knocks and he could turn his attentions to the Goodison Park starlet.
Donegal born Coleman has played in the Premier and Europa League for Everton this season as injuries have hit David Moyes squad but the 21-year-old is now looking for games as the team reaches full strength again.
Moyes is keen for him to get some competitive game time under his belt and a loan move to Blackpool could be on the cards.
