Mathews may start Meyler as Cork face tricky Boyneside trip

JOE GAMBLE might have just pledged his future to Cork City by signing a new three-year deal — official confirmation of which is imminent — but the club will have to do without their influential midfielder for tomorrow’s eircom League game away to Drogheda United (kick off 3pm).

However, Gamble’s suspension for the game in United Park could mean a start for David Meyler, the recent subject of a £75,000 (95,000) offer from Sunderland.

“He hasn’t played much this season but he’s a good player, who has only just turned 19,” says City boss Alan Mathews. “I’ve spoken to David and his father and we’re trying to keep our best players here. I don’t want to lose him. David is only a young lad but when a club like Sunderland come calling — and they have the Cork connection through Roy Keane and Roy O’Donovan and all this — fine, you have to look at that because you don’t want to deprive anyone of a chance. But we’re also mindful of the fact that he’s a good young player and we want to keep good young players here. And if they do go, they should only go for the right money for themselves and for the club.”