One-time York City goalkeeper Dean Kiely is poised for an international debut, but it will not net a Mexican wave of cash for his former club.

The ex-City 'keeper has been drafted into the senior Republic of Ireland squad for the clash against World Cup finalists Mexico in Dublin on May 23.

But should Kiely make his bow in the international arena - he is the only uncapped player in the 18-strong squad - then City will not be entitled to a cash payment.

The tribunal-fixed fee of £125,000 confirmed after Kiely's controversial move to Bury two seasons ago did not include any payment for future international honours.

The only condition fixed by the Football League panel was a percentage sell-on fee to be paid to City should Kiely move on from the First Division Shakers in a big-money transfer.

The 26-year-old Kiely first came under the scrutiny of then Eire manager Jack Charlton four seasons ago. The Salford-born 'keeper's father is Irish.

Kiely's performances as the City number one were monitored regularly from then by scouts from the Republic. Now Mick McCarthy, Charlton's successor as Eire boss, has firmed up the interest recruiting Kiely to a squad with the Newcastle 'keeper Shay Given the main rival for the gloves-slot against Mexico at Lansdowne Road.

It was only when he moved to Bootham Crescent in 1990 that he made his senior bow against Hartlepool in January 1991.

In all he made 210 appearances for the Minstermen, capped by a memorable penalty save from Crewe's Gareth Whalley in the Third Division play-off shoot-out at Wembley five years ago.

The season after Kiely kept a club record-equalling 20 clean sheets, but his departure to Bury angered fans and led to a squabble between Bury and City over the fee at a Football League tribunal.

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