Boost for City as O’Flynn returns for northern trip

GROUP TWO leaders Cork City will be close to full strength for their first Setanta Cup test north of the border, when they take on Portadown at Shamrock Park this evening.

Although Joe Gamble is suspended, City have been lifted by the news that striker John O’Flynn has recovered from a hip injury and will be available for selection.

“John is fully fit and came through training on Saturday and again yesterday,” said manager Damien Richardson, “and at the very least he will be in the squad. It’s a real boost for us.”

City, who currently top the group after beating Shelbourne 1-0, will face a Portadown side who also impressed when taking an away point in a 3-3 thriller at Tolka Park.

“I’ve seen them a few times and if you allow them to play, they can be a very good side,” said Richardson. “In general, the game may be played at a higher tempo down south but Portadown move the ball around well and with Vinny Arkins upfront they always threaten goals.”

Portadown manager Ronnie McFall has made no secret of the fact that, as the northern season nears its climax, the club’s focus is now firmly on the Setanta Cup and their forthcoming Irish Cup Final against Larne. Lying in third place in the Premier League, but a full 11 points behind leaders Linfield and ten adrift of second-placed Glentoran, McFall made clear his priorities by resting big name players Vinny Arkins, Darren Kelly, Michael Collins and Richard Clarke for last Friday night’s 2-2 league draw away to Coleraine. As it turned out, the fixture was a somewhat bizarre encounter, with floodlight failures interrupting the game on three occasions before play ended and Portadown surrendered a two goal lead.

“The Irish Cup final and the Setanta Cup are what our season boils down to now,” said McFall, ” and I have to make sure everyone is fresh for those games. When we play Cork it will be our eighth match in 21 days, which would be a tough enough schedule even for full-time players.”

Said Ports striker Gary Hamilton: “The game against Cork is huge. We want to pick up as many points as possible before the southern teams really get into their own season.”

City also go into tonight’s game on the back of a draw, their scoreless encounter with UCD leaving them in joint second place behind Waterford United in the eircom league.

The match kicks off at 7.15pm and will be screened live on Setanta Sports.