Kilkenny City boss Joe McGrath faces competition from Galway United in his efforts to sign former Ireland u21 international Stephen Grant.

Grant, who has had spells with Shamrock Rovers, Stockport County and Waterford United, returned to Ireland last month after finishing a season with the Boston Bulldogs in the American 'A' league.

McGrath was quick to open negotiations - but now Grant is also in talks with Galway United boss Don O'Riordan.

O'Riordan sees 23-year-old Grant as the ideal replacement for Barbadan international striker Llewellyn Riley, who quit United and returned home after just two games.

Grant scored seven goals in 23 appearances for the Bulldogs last season, including a hat trick against Long Island in June.

American football is now in its close season and two other Boston Bulldogs players have already found Irish clubs for the winter. Former Bohemians centre back Avery John is with Shelbourne and Paul Keegan, who finished the American season on loan to the Bulldogs from Major League team New England Revolution, is now with Bray Wanderers.