Roughyeds in Gibbons deal

OLDHAM have snapped up a second Ireland international in the shape of half-back or hooker Stevie Gibbons.

The 20-year-old has signed a one-year deal with the club to end a drawn-out chase for his services by coach Tony Benson.

Gibbons, a non-playing member of the Ireland World Cup squad in 2008, knows Benson well from their time working together both with the Irish residents squad and, last season, at London Skolars.

He joins fellow compatriot and fellow former Skolars man Wayne Kerr at Oldham and comes straight into consideration for Sunday’s home game against Rochdale Hornets at Boundary Park(3pm).

Gibbons effectively replaces the now-departed Australian number nine Dave McKay in the squad.

“We have been talking to him for a while,” said chief executive Chris Hamilton. “He is coming over here to do a Masters at Leeds University later this year, although at one time it didn’t look like he would be able to get on the course.

“It gives us the cover at hooker and half-back that we have been looking for.

“He was a player offered to us before he went to Skolars last year and is someone we know about.”

Hopes remain that the squad can train outdoors tonight, having had to stay indoors on Tuesday night due to the snow.

On the prospects of Sunday’s game going ahead, Mr Hamilton is set to visit Boundary Park today to liaise with Latics officials over the condition of the playing surface.