McGeough looking forward to Cork clash

WATERFORD UNITED manager Jimmy McGeough yesterday expressed his satisfaction at having drawn Cork City at Turner’s Cross in the quarter-finals of the eircom league cup.

The match will be played on Wednesday June 18 (7.45 ko), and after recently drawing with Cork in the league at the venue, Waterford are looking forward to a return visit.

But before that, the teams will clash in the Munster Cup next Monday and McGeough commented: “We love visiting Cork because there is always a good atmosphere at the matches. We felt we had the better of the match in the league tie recently, especially in the second half, and we’re looking forward to playing them again.”

McGeough has succeeded in flying in the face of convention by leading Waterford to second place in the premier division of the eircom national league after their promotion and their achievements have won the admiration of Cork City manager Pat Dolan.

“Jimmy McGeough has concentrated on developing the local players with Waterford and that is the way to go” said Dolan. “He is building a good club there with a good spirit within the group. Some succeed in securing success by using the chequebook but it does not always work.”

There is every possibility of another derby in the quarter-finals if Shamrock Rovers can beat UCD next week. Rovers will advance even if they lose, provided they do not lose by more than one goal and St Patrick’s Athletic are waiting on the result of this tie. The ties will be played on June 16, 17 or 18.

There will be no replays with extra time and penalties to be used should the games be level after 90 minutes.

The draw is: Cork City v Waterford United; Derry City v Sligo Rovers; Longford Town v Bohemians; Shamrock Rovers/UCD v St Patrick’s Athletic.

World champions Brazil continue as leaders in the FIFA world rankings while the Republic of Ireland remains 15th. France were joined in second by Spain, with Germany still fourth.

Leading rankings (April’s position in brackets): 1 (1) Brazil 843 points 2= (3) France 784 2= (2) Spain 784 4. (4) Germany 757 5. (6) Argentina 753 6. (5) Netherlands 746 7. (7) England 739 8. (8) Turkey 722 9. (9) Mexico 720 10= (10) United States 715 10= (11) Denmark 715 12. (14) Italy 709 13. (13) Czech Republic 707 14. (12) Portugal 706 15. (15) Ireland 704 16. (16) Belgium 681 17. (18) Costa Rica 671 18. (17) Cameroon 666 19. (19) Paraguay 664 20. (20) Sweden 660