YORK City manager Terry Dolan's rebuilding programme for next season continued today with the news that Stephen Brackstone has pledged his future to the Minstermen.

The one-time Middlesbrough youngster is the second of six players offered new deals by Dolan for next season to put pen to paper, following hot on the heels of ex-Chesterfield striker Craig Wilding joining City.

Offers of contracts for next season have also been made to defender Darren Edmondson, striker Peter Duffield and goalkeeper Russ Howarth with City awaiting their replies.

Former Rangers, Sheffield United and Huddersfield Town left-sided defender Tom Cowan has also been offered a contract by the City chief after being released by Cambridge United.

The highly-rated Brackstone's decision to commit his future to City is a coup for the Minstermen.

The 19-year-old former England Youth international signed for City from Boro after impressing in a couple of trial matches for the Minstermen's reserves.

Hartlepool-born Brackstone was promptly snapped up on a short-term contract by Dolan and showed plenty of promise in nine first team appearances that coincided with City's climb up the Division three table.

Meanwhile, former York ace Dean Kiely was today included in the Republic of Ireland World Cup squad, announced by coach Mick McCarthy.

There is a place too for Newcastle United's Harrogate-born defender Andy O'Brien, who was formerly on York's books as a junior.

The Leeds trio of Robbie Keane, Gary Kelly and Ian Harte have also been selected.

The 23-man Eire squad: S Given (Newcastle), Dean Kiely (Charlton), Alan Kelly (Blackburn); S Staunton (Aston Villa), S Finan (Fulham), K Cunningham (Wimbledon), G Breen (Coventry), I Harte (Leeds), G Kelly (Leeds), R Dunne (Manchester City), A O'Brien (Newcastle); J McAteer (Sunderland), R Keane (Manchester United), M Kinsella (Charlton), M Holland (Ipswich), K Kilbane (Sunderland), M Kennedy (Wolves), L Carsley (Everton); R Keane (Leeds), N Quinn (Sunderland). C Morrison (Crystal Palace), D Duff (Blackburn), D Connelly (Wimbledon).

Updated: 15:29 Tuesday, May 07, 2002