World Footy News

Collingwood’s Irish experiment could be expanded with another Irishman trialling with the Magpies this month.

17-year old Paul Cribbin, who plays for the Kildare Minor team (U-18’s) is in Melbourne for several weeks training at the Lexus centre. Collingwood recruiting manager Derek Hine has said the club was pleased to be able to bring Cribbin to Australia and let him experience the game and the club first hand.

Cribbin has long been seen as having great potential in Gaelic football and has been in inspiring form for Kildare in recent matches and his talent has caught the eye of AFL scouts based in Ireland. Earlier this year he played a vital role for his school side who were beaten finalists in the All Ireland senior Colleges Cup.

He has plans on returning to Ireland a week before Kildare’s next championship match, but should he be signed up to a permanent deal, he will join fellow Irishmen Marty Clarke and Rookie Kevin Dyas at Collingwood.

Ed: WFN welcomes John Dunne to our team of correspondents. Based in Ireland, he will be reporting on the Irish league as well as following the fortunes of Irishmen in the AFL.