Clarets keen on Irish duo

Last Updated : 03-Jun-2005 by

Kevin Doyle - Cork's leading scorer who is interesting the Clarets
The Clarets have made enquiries regards the signing of the two young strikers Kevin Doyle and Shane Long and have joined both Reading and Stoke in the pursuit of them. Reading currently hold the upper hand and both players are currently in talks with the Berkshire club regarding transfers to the Madejski Stadium.

The 21 year-old Doyle joined Cork in February 2003 and was manager Pat Dolan’s first signing for Cork. He was Cork’s top scorer last season with thirteen goals and he has won eight caps at Under-21 level for the Republic of Ireland, the last of which was won against Israel recently.

Doyle is bang in form in the current season too and has already hit five league goals for a Cork side who lead the table by three points from Shelbourne.

Long is just 18 and his performances in the junior teams have won him promotion to the first team squad where he made his debut last season. He too has been capped by the republic, at Under-19 level.

Current manager Damien Richardson has said that he expects the two players to both take the opportunity to talk to both Burnley and Stoke after having talks with Reading and has said he doesn’t want to lose them but says they could not stand in their way.

Doyle would cost a fee but because of a clause in his contract they could not get more than €117,000 (around £80,000) for him which Richardson says is not good business for Cork City.