Shane O’Connor has returned to Town after his trial at Crawley with the League Two new boys still weighing up whether to make an offer for the 21-year-old. The Republic of Ireland U21 international spent last week with the Red Devils, making two friendly appearances.

Manager Steve Evans says he has been given the green light to spend some cash: “We have got money to strengthen the squad. I had a meeting yesterday with the board about one or two possibilities and I have been told to explore them over the next few days.”

Left-back or left midfielder O'Connor netted in an 8-1 victory over East Grinstead Town a week ago and was also in the side which drew 0-0 with Crystal Palace on Friday.

Meanwhile, Conor Hourihane, who joined Plymouth on trial yesterday, could play in a friendly against Truro City on Wednesday. The Irishman, who signed a six-month contract earlier in the summer, appears to be out of Blues boss Paul Jewell’s plans.

Elsewhere, Sheffield United hope to stave off interest in defender Matthew Lowton from the likes of Town and Leicester by offering the 22-year-old a contract until the summer of 2014.

Manager Danny Wilson hopes the Chesterfield-born player will sign his new terms next week: “We don’t want to see our up-and-coming lads getting poached.

“Being realistic you’re never able to keep a hold of everybody but we don’t want to become known as a selling club.

“Where possible we want them to grow and develop with us. That’s why I’m delighted with what’s happened with Matty.”

Story syndicated from TWTD.co.uk

Photo: Action Images

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