A number of League of Ireland clubs are hoping to capture Ireland U21 cap Dylan Connolly after he was released by Ipswich Town.

The Dubliner joined Ipswich from Shelbourne 12 months ago and made an immediate impression on boss Mick McCarthy, who predicted that the ex-Reds player would soon be in the first team at Portman Road.

A possible debut was delayed as Connolly's transfer was delayed due to red tape but he did make it into the first team squad and was promoted to the bench, Connolly an unused sub three times in the second half of last season as Ipswich reached the promotion play-offs.

But he has not made the same progress this season and McCarthy has decided to release Connolly this month, even though his contract runs until next summer, to help the U21 international arrange a move back home. St Patrick's Athletic and Shamrock Rovers have already been linked with the Dubliner.

"Dylan will be released. We'll make him a free agent so he can go and get a club in Ireland if he can," said McCarthy.

Connolly made his U21 debut against Norway last year while he was still on the books at Shels and won his ninth cap at that level against Italy last month.

Meanwhile, fellow U21 cap John Kavanagh has been given a new contract by Cork City.

The defender missed the second half of last season due to injury and he underwent surgery last month but Cork have showed their faith in the 21-year-old by giving him a contract extension. "John had a horrendous couple of months last year after getting injured," said manager John Caulfield. "He is working really hard at the moment and he has his head down to get back as soon as possible."