Richie Baker set for US
Former Shelbourne midfielder Richie Baker has signed for Major League Soccer outfit New England Revolution on a free transfer from the eircom Premier Division champions.
The 24-year-old impressed Revolution manager Steve Nicol, the former Liverpool defender, during a trial last week, and the former Irish youth international is expected provide midfield cover for the impending MSL season, which runs from April to October.
Former Everton striker Joe Max Moore is a current favourite at the Boston-based club. Baker’s girlfriend is based in the city and, after winning his third Premier Division winners’ medal with Shelbourne in November, he decided to seek an American club for his services.
According to MSL regulations, Baker will be classified as a ‘transitional international’, meaning that he will against the 18-player roster limit, but not against the three senior international player limit in 2004.
Leeds United youth player Robbie Shields is set to fill the gap left by Baker at Shelbourne, following the announcement of a 3-month loan deal for the 19-year-old at Tolka Park.
Shields joined Leeds in June 2000 on a five-year-deal following an incredible 18 trials with clubs across the UK. Voted FAI U15 international player of the year in 2000, Shields, formerly of Cherry Orchard, is a cousin of Manchester City and Republic of Ireland defender Richard Dunne.
