Soccer: Mark Kinsella conceded yesterday that his hopes of re-establishing himself in the centre of the Republic of Ireland midfield will have to wait for the moment. The 31-year-old, who joined West Brom from Aston Villa yesterday, has committed himself to the task of securing his longer-term future at club level over the coming six months.

After making just two appearances since the start of the season at Villa, Kinsella says that he sees the move to the club's Midlands neighbours as a chance to kick-start his career again.

The Dubliner has only signed until June with the promotion chasing first division outfit and knows that he must impress if he is to be offered a long-term deal either by Gary Megson or, failing that, another manager.

"The main aim for me now is to get a longer contract," said the midfielder, who is believed to have taken a cut in pay in order to secure first team football.

"I'm not counting my chickens, I know I have to prove myself but I'm better off playing games here than rotting in the reserves at Villa. I'll be getting a chance to impress people, whether that is Gary Megson or somebody else remains to be seen but with a bit of luck I'll get a longer contract with West Brom and if things go to plan I could be back in the Premiership in the very near future."

He expects to make his debut against Burnley this weekend and could end up playing alongside former Irish under-21 international central midfielder James O'Connor.

Kinsella says that his hope is simply to get the new deal and "keep on playing for another couple of years", and for the moment that, rather than playing his way back into Brian Kerr's reckoning, must be the priority.

"While I'm trying to establish that longer-term future for myself I don't necessarily want to be playing games away here, there and everywhere."

He added that it would be a disappointment to miss out on being involved in the forthcoming friendly against Brazil but that, with so few games under his belt, he doubted whether he would have been included in the squad for the game anyway.

David Taylor of the Scottish FA suggested yesterday that the association may withdraw from the US-based tournament in which the Republic of Ireland is also expected to participate unless the details are finalised in the very near future.

"We have an offer of one match (believed to be Ireland) and there are two other opponents, as yet unspecified, lined up but it needs to be more concrete than that," he said.

Taylor said the Scots would not travel unless plans for the tournament are finalised quickly.

A spokesman for the FAI was unable to comment last night on the possible consequences for its plans to send their senior team to the US in late May if the Scots do pull out.

Meanwhile, Derry City's Liam Coyle officially hung up his boots yesterday after 17 years in the senior ranks with Derry, Finn Harps, Omagh Town and Glentoran.

The striker, who has one Northern Ireland senior cap, netted a total of 112 goals in 390 competitive appearances will celebrate his 36th birthday in May and his decision followed a season dogged by injury in the eircom League.