RUNCORN Linnets have completed the transfer of midfieldman Jay Foran after obtaining international clearance.

The North West Counties Division Two title-chasers had given Colwyn Bay seven days notice of approach for the holding player.

Ex-Blackpool youngster Foran had a brief spell on loan at Runcorn FC Halton last season.

He is available for Saturday's six-pointer at Witton Albion's Wincham Park (ko 3pm) as second-placed Linnets entertain Eccleshall, the team in third, but may have to bide his time.

'He has just got to be patient and take the opportunity when it comes along,' said boss Steve Carragher.

The same applies to Andy McCoy, who is back after being ruled out of late by working commitments.

An automatic choice at the start of the season, McCoy wasn't in the 14 at the weekend. Carragher said: 'The lads have done really well and Andy hasn't been able to come through for a couple of weeks.

'He is going to be available most Saturdays now but during the week is still going to be a bit of an issue.

'As much as I like Andy and playing with the two wingers, I think it would send out the wrong message for him to get straight back.

'I understand work commitments have to come first. But I have always said if the lads play well, they will keep their shirt. It's going to be a battle for Andy.'

After failing a weekend fitness test, striker Dave Thompson could return against Eccleshall, who beat Linnets 1-0 in Staffordshire in October.

Midfieldman Colin Flood, who scored two in the 9-1 North West Counties League's Division Two Cup victory at Castleton Gabriels, now begins a three-game suspension after his dismissal at Cheadle Town.

However, assistant player-boss Mark Phillips has completed a similar ban.

Runcorn are in Mid-Cheshire Senior Cup action at Congleton Town on Tuesday (7.45pm) and seek a place in their first final.

Meanwhile, 15 candidates are vying for eleven spots on the Linnets board.

Postal votes must be returned by Monday, December 11, which is the date for a fans' meeting at Stockham Lodge, Town Park, Palace-fields, Runcorn, at 7.30pm.

The candidates, in alphabetical order of surname, are: Simon Charlesworth, Glyn Davies, DJ Dutton, Hedley Edwards, Derek Greenwood, Kel Hoose, Lynn Johnston, Rob Johnston, Darren Law, Gregor Law, Steve Pritchard, Paul Ramsden, John Urquhart, Anthony Waddington and Joanne Wilks.

Interim club chairman Stuart White is not standing for the board but will re-main actively involved.

* Thomas Lamb's double strike at Castleton moved him level with Padiham's Paul Fildes at the top of the NWC Division Two scoring charts with 16 goals.

* Runcorn may have to again forgo home advantage in the NWC Division Two Cup and switch their quarter-final tie to opponents Bootle on Saturday, February 3, when Witton are playing at Wincham Park.