O'Grady's knee injury causes concern in Cork City camp

CORK CITY midfielder Conor O'Grady yesterday went to see a specialist in Dublin for an exploratory examination of the knee injury he sustained in last week's FAI Carlsberg Cup match.

City officials are concerned that the injury may be more serious than first thought.

City's celebrations of a record 9-0 Cup win over Glenmore Dundrum were spoiled by the injury to O'Grady and another injury to their young winger, David Warren. Curiously, both players came on as substitutes.

Warren replaced Colin O'Brien in the second half and afterwards complained of a groin strain. The injury will keep him out of City's match against Drogheda United in Drogheda on Sunday in the eircom League.

O'Grady's setback was particularly upsetting for Cork because he was making his first appearance of the season against Glenmore Dundrum. He missed the earlier games because of suspension and injury, and within a couple of minutes of his introduction he picked up this latest injury when he stretched as he tried to play the ball for the first time.

City manager Liam Murphy said: "An early x-ray revealed nothing obvious so we were hoping the injury would settle down. But it is still causing trouble so we are concerned now and need to check it out fully."

Cork have full points after their two games in the League home wins over Shelbourne and UCD and they have caused a stir by the facility of their young strike force to score goals. They scored five in their two League matches and that record nine in the Cup tie.

"At least we have been giving the home supporters something to enjoy. We have not been scoring goals like this for several seasons but the real test for us will come when we play away from home against teams like Drogheda," Murphy said.

"Our young players will notice a change in atmosphere and as Drogheda play on a very tight pitch we are certain to be involved in a battle. It is an important test and I'm looking forward to seeing how our fellows react to it."

Cork will have to wait for at least another four weeks before they can consider their injured pair Declan Daly and James Mulligan. Both are recovering from serious injury but Daly offered cause for optimism by making a return to light training this week.

Cork will be able to consider midfielder Greg O'Halloran for the first time this week for he has served his term of suspension. Also, centre back John Andrews, who played upwards of 300 matches for Mansfield Town before he returned to his native Cork 12 months ago, has been working hard to recover his fitness.

Drogheda United expect to have their strongest squad of the season on duty against Cork. Danny O'Connor and Andy Myler are back in the picture after injury and Drogheda are seeking to recruit some cross-channel talent to bolster their side. Drogheda's board are this season determined to invest to develop the team to the point where they will challenge for honours.