Meanwhile United have snapped up another promising player in Republic of Ireland youngster Alan O'Brien. The 16-year-old left winger, who has already been capped at Under 14 and Under 15 level by Ireland, joins from St Joseph's Boys Club in Dublin. The Magpies beat off the challenge of a host of other clubs who wanted to bring the player to England with Academy Director Alan Irvine happy to comment:

"We are thrilled that Alan will be joining Newcastle United this summer and hope that he will have a long and enjoyable stay on Tyneside. As well as all of the local youngsters we look at, being able to attract talented players from outside of the region to our football club is very important to us too."

-- Anonymous, April 26, 2001

Answers

Can't wait for there to be 2 A. O'Brien's on the pitch wearing black and white :-)

-- Anonymous, April 26, 2001

Get him in the first team and give us some balance!!!

-- Anonymous, April 26, 2001

I think its good to be bringing in young talent, but there is no doubting the fact that we need a good, established left sided player (solano on the left dyer on the right ne1??) and a top quality cenral midfielder (Guardiola pease Bob!)

-- Anonymous, April 26, 2001

Guardiola has gone to spurz

-- Anonymous, April 27, 2001

is that confirmed yet Dave?

-- Anonymous, April 27, 2001

Spurs denied it yesterday so it must be true.

-- Anonymous, April 27, 2001