2 July 2018
By Elaine Murphy
elaine@TheCork.ie
Cork City welcome Portsmouth to Turner’s Cross tonight, for a Cork Airport friendly fixture, kick-off 7 pm.
City boss John Caulfield expects to field a much-changed line-up, with new signing Damien Delaney set to make his first appearance since re-joining the club.
Speaking ahead of the game, Caulfield said:
“Of course, the big news is Damien Delaney making his debut. After Friday’s game, we will be making a lot of changes, and we also have Johnny Dunleavy coming back from a long-term injury and he will be involved. Steven Beattie missed Friday night, but he will also be involved, along with the likes of Peter Cherrie, Aaron Barry, Danny Kane, Conor McCarthy, Garry Buckley… We have Pierce Phillips back from a loan spell at Cobh and John Kavanagh back from Waterford, so all of those will take part. We also have a number of our Under 19s involved as well.”
“We will make a lot of changes from Friday, but we will still have a very fit and competitive team out, and we are all looking forward to the game. It is important that the players who are on the edge of the first team get a chance to show what they can do, and Damien has come back and wants to get cracking. For the Under 19 lads, it is a chance to show what they have to offer and also for them to understand the difference in the level.”
“We have a busy period coming up, and these games will give guys match time and keep them on their toes. We have European games coming up, as well as some crucial league games, and we need everyone fit and on the button. It will be competitive and interesting game.”
Tickets for the game are available from the club shop and Ticketmaster and will also be on sale outside the stadium.
Tickets for the forthcoming Champions League tie against Legia Warsaw will also be on sale from the club shop inside the stadium on the night.
