eircom League of Ireland Premier Division leaders St Patrick’s Athletic have been linked with a loan move for Cardiff City winger Willo Flood.

Flood joined the Bluebirds from Manchester City last summer but has been unable to force his way into the first-team on a regular basis.

The 22-year-old, who has started just five league games for the Welsh side, could be allowed out on loan in a bid to earn some first-team exposure.

And according to a report in Friday’s Irish Daily Mirror, Saints boss John McDonnell would like to bring Flood back to Dublin until the League of Ireland season ends in November.

The report also links McDonnell with Dunfermline Athletic’s Bobby Ryan and Daryl McMahon, a former West Ham United and Leyton Orient winger currently at Conference side Stevenage.

But there is no doubt that the capture of Flood would be a major coup for the Inchicore side, who have finished in the bottom half of the table for the past three seasons but have emerged as genuine title contenders this time around.

Saints will attempt to extend their lead at the top of the Premier Division table to four points when they take on UCD this evening (Friday).

Next Fixture

vs SHELBOURNE

Date: May 15th (7:45pm)
Competition: League
Venue: Richmond Park
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Team	Pld	Pts
Shamrock Rovers	16	34
St Patrick's Athletic	16	31
Bohemian FC	16	25
Dundalk	16	22
Derry City	16	19
Drogheda United	15	19
Shelbourne	15	18
Galway United	15	17
Sligo Rovers	16	16
Waterford FC	15	6