Mick McCarthy can look forward to trips to Portugal to check of the form of two of his senior internationals. Alan Mahon joined Phil Babb at the Portuguese champions, Sporting Lisbon, on a Bosman free-transfer.

The news is good for Mahon but bad for Tranmere boss John Aldridge who won't see a penny for his star midfielder. If Mahon had joined an English team then Tranmere would have been compensated because of his age - but going into Europe it takes the compensation out of the deal.

The 22-year-old has signed a four-year contract after holding talks with the Portuguese champions over the weekend.

Speaking about the move Mahon said: "This is a great club. I'm amazed by the size of the it as I only came from a small club in England."

The midfielder became a free agent on July 1 and, despite interest from Premiership teams and a warning from John Aldridge, he opted for a move to the Portuguese side.

The lure of Champions League football next season was too strong for the talented midfielder but it remains to be seen whether he can prove himself on such a big stage.