Garbhan Coughlan returns to Athlone Town

In a surprise twist, Garban Coughlan has resigned on loan for the remainder of the season with Athlone Town.

Coughlan had been on loan in the first part of the season, from Limerick, but had returned to his parent club on July 1, when the new transfer window opened.

It was believed that Limerick boss Stuart Taylor intended to keep Coughlan at the club for the remainder of the season and the livewire attacker was introduced as a substitute for Limerick against Sligo Rovers in the EA Sports Cup on Monday last, just three days after his final bow for Athlone Town against Mervue Utd.

However, last night Athlone Town announced that it had resigned Coughlan on loan from Limerick for the rest of the season.

The club said: 'Garbhan will go straight into this weekend's squad against Wexford Youths pending his registration going through before Friday's deadline.'

Coughlan's addition, along with the availability of Philly Gorman despite suggestions he was suspended for the match, ensures that Athlone's main attacking threats may line out against Wexford Youths tonight.