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January sales: 5 Irish players who could be on the move this month

With the transfer window opening this morning, some of the country’s out-of-favour internationals may be set find new homes.

Shay Given

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Without a Premier League appearance since August, Given couldn’t be happy with seeing out his career as back-up to Brad Guzan, who Paul Lambert has handed the No.1 jersey in recent months. Even at 36,  Given – a player who was always desperate to play for his country whether it was a competitive fixture or a friendly – will surely want to get regular football between the sticks and although his poor form at Euro 2012 continued on into the start of this season, there would no doubt be a number of clubs keen to sign one of best goalkeepers the Premier League has ever seen.

Aiden McGeady

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McGeady has endured a tough season at Spartak, who have struggled this season and lost their manager Unai Emery. The Glasgow-born winger has recently returned from a two-month injury lay-off and did score in their first win since Valeri Karpin took the reigns for a second time on the final game before their winter break. With no football until March, McGeady and Spartak could both be enticed into agreeing a move back to British football if the club and the money is right.

Stephen Hunt

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Another player who has had to deal with injury set-backs in the last year. Speaking to Off The Ball recently, Hunt said that he has been unable to show Wolves manager Stale Solbakken what he can do but added that he is determined to get back fit and prove his worth at the Championships side. However, Solbakken has already said that he is welcome to leave and a deal to go elsewhere is on the cards this month.

Richard Dunne

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There are serious question marks over the reliable defender’s future for club and country due to several his seeming inability to shake off a hip injury he picked up at Euro 2012. Paul Lambert is evidently going for a youthful new-look Aston Villa side and whether Dunne will regain his spot from Ciaran Clark remains to be seen. Here’s hoping he gets back fighting fit, but maybe a fresh start could do him good.

Robbie Keane

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Keane has said that he is looking forward to enjoying the break with his family during the MLS close-season but hasn’t closed the door on a loan deal similar to the one last season when he joined Aston Villa. The Ireland skipper has admitted that a number of clubs have enquired about his availability and he could be persuaded, although it is unlikely to be as successful this time around.