Cork to rest first-team players for derby cup clash with Cobh

DESPITE the fact that he expects Cobh Ramblers to come out fighting in tonight’s eircom League Cup clash at Turner’s Cross (kick-off 7.45), Cork City manager Damian Richardson intends resting as many first-team players as he possibly can.

He is not underestimating the challenge his side may face from Cobh in this derby clash, but says he had always targeted this week as one in which he intended getting as much rest into his players as possible.

“Cobh are a very good side and I saw a lot of promise there when we played them in the pre-season. They’ve perhaps been stymied by a few injuries lately, but there will be nothing like the possibility of beating the reigning league champions to gee them up,” the City manager said last night.

“We will be treating them very seriously because they have absolutely nothing to lose and I will be putting out my best available side.”

But he revealed he would definitely be resting Michael Devine, Neal Horgan and Neale Fenn, while Cork City will also be without Roy O’Donovan and Denis Behan, who were called up to the Irish U21 squad by manager Don Givens this week.

“I will also rest George O’Callaghan if I feel it is necessary, while I don’t yet know if John O’Flynn will be available after he came off injured against Waterford last Friday night.

“I had always picked this week as one where we could get a bit of rest into the players after what has been a fairly hectic start to the season. It is a recovery week and that’s how I’m looking at it. Of course, I have one eye on the forthcoming games at home to Shelbourne and away to Derry, but I’ll use my better judgement to decide which players play against Cobh.”

He said Ramblers never give anything less than 100% against City.

“It is always a great fixture and we’re expecting a tough match in what is a very important competition,” he said.