Triallist struck down by meningitis

IPSWICH Town triallist George O'Callaghan is being treated in hospital today after being diagnosed with viral meningitis and shingles.

The 27-year-old Cork City attacking midfielder has been training with the Blues for the past month as he battles to win a contract.

But it emerged the Irishman was suffering from the illnesses after Burnley midfielder James O'Connor dedicated his man-of-match award to him.

O'Connor, a fellow Irishman, was speaking in a post-match interview after his side's televised 3-2 victory over Preston North End in the Championship.

He said: “I would like to dedicate my award to my friend George O'Callaghan, who is on trial at Ipswich Town, and is suffering from viral meningitis and shingles.”

Town first-team coach Bryan Klug confirmed O'Callaghan was being treated for the conditions.

He said: “He has been in hospital since last weekend. He's being treated in a hospital in London because he has got some family down there.”

It is understood O'Callaghan was initially taken to Ipswich Hospital, where the diagnosis was made, before being transferred to London.

Klug said no decision had been made on whether to give the Irishman a contract.

He said: “He had spent a few weeks with us. We can't do anything until January and we needed to see him in a game situation so we hadn't made a decision on whether to offer him a contract.”

Although relatively serious, most cases of viral meningitis are expected to clear up in around a week. The illness affects the fluid in the spinal cord and the fluid that surrounds the brain.

O'Callaghan was signed by League One side Port Vale at the age of 16, where he turned professional.

He stayed in the Potteries for around six years, scoring four goals in 36 appearances, before returning to his hometown club Cork City in 2002.