27 July 2019
By Bryan Smyth
bryan@TheCork.ie
Cork City return to league action on Sunday, as they take on Shamrock Rovers at Turner’s Cross (kick-off 4 pm).
City come into the game on the back of a 2-1 win away to Progrès Niederkorn last week, while Rovers recorded a 2-1 home win over Cypriot side Apollon Limassol yesterday. The sides have met twice so far this season, with Rovers winning both encounters by two goals. The Dubliners recorded a 3-1 win at Turner’s Cross in April, before registering a 2-0 victory in Tallaght in May.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, City’s head coach John Cotter said: “It’s a massive game; games Rovers are always attractive ties, and they are going well. It is good to have a home game and we are looking forward to getting back on the pitch after last week’s win in Luxembourg.”
“Rovers are a good side; they are where they are for a reason. They have a lot of good players and a lot of options, so we know we need to be disciplined and defend well, but we still need to see where we can hurt them as well.”
“We want to push up the table as far as we can, and we still have an FAI Cup in two weeks’ time as well, so there is still a lot to play for. We will be going out on Sunday to try and get a positive result. We want to push on and hopefully Sunday can be the start of that. We need to be ready to play at a high intensity and go out to try and take the three points.”
“I thought the boys were brilliant over in Luxembourg, and the support over there was brilliant as well. As gutting as it was to go out, you can take positives out of the performance. The lads had a few days off to reflect on it and hopefully bring that into Sunday. We need to play the way we did in that game, taking that form into Sunday and the rest of the season.”
Cian Murphy and Cian Bargary are both definitely ruled out, while Shane Griffin and Kevin O’Connor are doubts, but Cotter is hopeful they will be available. Karl Sheppard and Garry Buckley both miss out through suspension.
Referee: Sean Grant
Injury News: Shane Griffin, Kevin O’Connor, Cian Murphy, Cian Bargary,
Suspensions: Karl Sheppard, Garry Buckley
Last game: Progrès Niederkorn 1-2 City
Last meeting: Shamrock Rovers 2-0 City
League Form (League, most recent game first): D D L D D
