Rico wants it to be a yearly adventure

TONGUE somewhat in cheek, someone asked Damien Richardson last night if, with the news of Roy Keane's departure from Manchester United next season, there might be a role for the Irish international at Cork City.

City's boss smiled and said Roy would probably crave the anonymity of a bigger city but he did use the question as a basis for stating the scale of City's ambition, after their exit from the UEFA Cup one game short of the group phase.

"The way Cork City are going, we're going to attract big players. We're top of the table and in the semi-finals of the cup but rather than just thinking 'that's our European adventure' over I want to make this the beginning of a European adventure - and one that happens every year, and it gets better every year."

Richardson was especially proud of City's second-half performance last night.

"I was proud of the wonderful integrity of my players, who responded to my request at half-time to stand tall. We took the game to them, our fitness levels were extremely high, our passion was unquenchable and we really had the crowd behind us.

"I felt that on the second-half performance we deserved a draw. That would have been great to us in the co-efficients for next season but overall I have to say that we lost the tie out in Prague. That was where the damage was done and we were always facing an uphill battle.

"But this was a great night for us - the second half was something special with the players and supporters pushing as one. Not only did we get a lot of pride back in the second half but I think it was a commendable effort overall, and I was delighted with it."

Was he concerned morale would be hit with the league and cup still to play for?

"No, I think the second half performance showed the kind of players we have at Cork City now. It is now a club of serious consequence. We showed we can play against what is a very good team - street-wise, a team that can play football and fight and brawl when they have to, well-versed in the art of European warfare. We've a lot to learn from them. But my lads in the second half put it up to them. Slavia deserve to be in the league stages but they now know they've been in a hell of a battle.

"It shows the progress our league has made over the last 11 years. Now, we have to make sure that everyone who plays in Europe is as prepared as they can be. League of Ireland football needs the publicity and attention that European football brings with it. League of Ireland football stands poised. And if we all get our acts together and get the official help we need, we can push it to the next stage."