McGill's season-long loan expires at the end of April and the outspoken Irish boss has made it clear he wants to make Sunderland an offer to keep him at Brunton Park on a permanent basis. The nippy Irish wideman has been a key factor in Carlisle's revival, even though he missed five games recently with injury. When he returned, he was instrumental in helping the Cumbrians to victories over Exeter City and Torquay United that have seen United reach a position from where they are highly unlikely to be relegated. But Sunderland may want to keep McGill as he is a fine prospect and might become part of manager Peter Reid's Premiership plans. Collins said: "I would like to keep Brendan. He has been brilliant, but Sunderland may want to keep him. We will sit down at the end of the season and discuss it. Personally, I think it would be a good move for him as he is guaranteed first-team football." McGill himself seems happy to sign on the dotted line for Carlisle should the opportunity arise. "Speaking to him, the signs are that he wants to stay," said Collins. "At the end of the day it is down to Sunderland, but I'm confident we can reach an agreement." Takeover stalls again A press conference planned for today that would have formally ended Michael Knighton's ten-year reign at Brunton Park has been cancelled. Further legal delays have meant the deal can't yet be finalised although John Courtenay, the prospective purchaser, has reassured supporters that the final documents will be signed once the few remaining wrinkles have been ironed out. Last week Courtenay told the press the last remaining obstacles had been overcome and the press conference was announced but now an unspecified problem has intervened, scuppering fans' hopes of a swift end to the takeover saga, that has been dragging on for nearly three years. Picture from News & Star www.newsandstar.co.uk |
