Super-sub O’Brien is due a first team start
O'Brien's last 23 appearances for City's first team were as substitute surely qualifying for entry to the Guinness Book of Records. But recent events make a compelling case for a starting place against Drogheda.
If they win, Cork will finish third and clinch a place in the Inter-Toto Cup. That would surely mark a significant achievement for manager Pat Dolan in his first year in office. However, Cork have struggled for results lately. The principal reason is lack of goals. This is why O'Brien, a native of Ballydehob in West Cork, is due a start. When Cork beat St Pats in the semi-final of the National U21 League last week he scored all four goals as Cork took another step towards retaining a title they won last season.
O'Brien was capped by Ireland at U19 level after making a sensational impression when he was introduced to National League football last season at 19 years of age.
Cork will be hoping he can reproduce his penchant for scoring goals against Drogheda for it would represent a huge disappointment to lose out on a place in European competition after occupying third spot throughout the League season.
Said manager Dolan: "Realistically, we were never going to match the big two of Shelbourne and Bohemians this season so we were always destined to be in the race for third. It would represent a big achievement if we were to clinch it."
Drogheda will be difficult opponents; since the appointment of Paul Doolin, they have secured their place in the Premier Division on the back of a good run of results.
Dolan described this match as so important, that he refused to take his protests over the injury he received at Tolka Park last Friday against Shelbourne any further this week. He claims to have received an injury to his shin from a Shelbourne player.
He said: "I am disappointed the officials in charge did not to make reference to my protests to the fourth official. Are we to assume that an injury to a manager is something to be taken for granted?"
The incident happened when the Shelbourne player was taking a throw-in and TV coverage apparently confirmed that contact was made by the player. But Dolan insisted he did not want to make a major protest.
"I'm not looking for any player to be put out of the game. But I think the officials should tell him what is acceptable and what is not, and I think he should be instructed to apologise to me. When I am wrong I will always apologise."
It appears that Dolan and Cork City will have to make an official protest if the League is to enquire into the incident. The Cork manager insisted that he did not want to distract from the final matches of the season and would wait until after the final match before considering his position.
Tonight- eircom League Premier Division: Shamrock Rovers v Shelbourne, Tolka Park (7.45 pm).
Tomorrow: Bohemians v St. Patrick's Athletic, Dalymount Park (3.15 pm); Cork City v Drogheda United, Turner's Cross (3.15 pm); UCD. v Longford Town, Belfield Park (3.15 pm); Waterford United v Derry City, R.S.C. (3.15 pm)
eircom League First Division: Today - Kilkenny City v Galway United, Buckley Park (7.30 pm); Sligo Rovers v Dundalk, Showgrounds (7.30 pm); Cobh Ramblers v Finn Harps, St. Colman's Park (7.45 pm); Dublin City v Bray Wanderers, Whitehall (7.45 pm).
Tomorrow: Limerick v Kildare County, Pike Rovers SG (2.00 pm); Monaghan Utd v Athlone Town, Century Homes Pk (3pm).
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