Phil Babb yesterday became the second Irish international in a week to make the move from Merseyside to Lisbon.

The 34-times-capped Liverpool defender signed a two-year deal - worth around £2 million, with a further one-year option - with Portuguese champions Sporting Lisbon. There he will join Republic of Ireland team-mate Alan Mahon, who signed from Tranmere last week.

Both deals were brokered by former Irish international Kevin Moran, who also masterminded Sporting's signing of US striker Jovan Kirovski from Borussia Dortmund.

Sporting, who won the title for the first time in 17 years last season, are reinforcing their squad for an assault on next season's Champions League.

Babb (29) has been frozen out at Anfield for much of the last two seasons - but, though British clubs showed plenty of interest, they baulked at his reputed £18,000-a-week pay-packet.

Kevin Moran said: "It's a great opportunity for Phil and Alan as Sporting have ambitious plans."

Having two more players competing at the highest level is good news for Irish team boss Mick McCarthy too.