Richardson confident Cork’s Softic is no softie

CORK CITY’S Bosnian midfielder Admir Softic is expected to be the target of much attention from the Serbian supporters of Red Star.

Said Cork City manager Damien Richardson: “It is going to be very tough for Admir and he knows that, but I am confident he won’t buckle. You only have to know the courage he displayed when his family became refugees because of the siege of Sarajevo, to know that.

“The things he’s been through in his life are a lot tougher than playing a football game in front of a hostile crowd.

“He’s got great strength of character and I expect to see that in the match.”

Richardson is also hoping for a big display from Brian O’Callaghan in his second game for Cork City alongside Alan Bennett in central defence.

O’Callaghan is anxious to repay the manager’s faith in him.

“You get these challenges in life and in football and while I wasn’t expecting to get my first start in the biggest game in the club’s history, it’s something I’m looking forward to.

“I’ve got to have confidence in my ability to produce the performance necessary and I hope I can help the team to rise to the challenge ahead.

“We all have to raise our game, but that’s why we play this game.”