O’Callaghan to miss Red Star return

CORK CITY arrived in the Serbian capital late last night without controversial midfielder George O’Callaghan ahead of the critical Champions League second leg qualifier against Red Star Belgrade on Wednesday.

Manager Damien Richardson refused to comment on the situation with O’Callaghan other than to confirm he was not part of City’s plans for the game. Richardson said he has no further injury concerns to add to the rash of suspensions Cork already must cope with.

The players trained in Cork yesterday morning and had come through without any problems.

“We’re missing Dan Murray who picked up a second yellow card in the competition in the first leg in Cork last Wednesday and both Joe Gamble and Danny Murphy who were red-carded in the second leg of our first qualifying game against Apollon Limassol a fortnight ago,” Richardson said.

“But everyone else is pretty much fit. We have a few minor knocks and bruises, but nothing serious and everyone trained and will be available for selection.”

City will be attempting to overturn a one-goal deficit against Red Star in Belgrade in an attempt to secure a third-round qualifying game against AC Milan.

“The mere possibility of going on to play Milan is a huge incentive for our players,” Richardson said. “There is not a lot in this tie and we are capable of winning it. The prize for the winners is something very special indeed.”