Fulham have completed the signing of Shaun Maher, the highly-rated Bohemians centre half, after he agreed personal terms with Kevin Keegan and Arthur Cox on Wednesday. The 19-year-old will join up with his new club on Tuesday but he will not be available to the Dubliners for this evening's derby match with Shamrock Rovers.

Bohemians are believed to have received a fee in the region of £35,000 for Maher with more to follow depending on the number of appearances he makes for the Craven Cottage club.

His departure at a time when Turlough O'Connor is missing Robbie Best and James Coll who are both out for the long-term will be a blow to the club but O'Connor said yesterday: "We would never stand in a young fellow's way when he gets a chance like this and we all wish him the best of luck with his future."

Meanwhile, the impact which Colin Hawkins has made since returning to play in Dublin has been recognised by the Irish Soccer Writers' Association who have named the 20year-old St Patrick's Athletic defender as their Opel Player Of The Month for November.

Hawkins has been in outstanding form for the league leaders recently and beat off competition from well-established names including Eddie Gormley, Colin O'Brien and Liam Coyle.