Out of the frying pan, into the fire: after losing their opening game at home to promoted Shelbourne last week, Cork City tomorrow night face the daunting task of taking on FAI Cup-winners and predicted title contenders Shamrock Rovers in the new-look side’s their first away test of the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division season.

Shamrock Rovers chairman Jonathan Roche says that he has been surprised by the level of opposition to a Hoops ‘B’ team participating in the First Division this season.

The FAI announced in a statement today that Shamrock Rovers II will compete in the First Division this year.