O’Callaghan trains with City

GEORGE O’CALLAGHAN was a familiar face at training yesterday as the Cork City squad held their first session of the season under the watchful eye of new manager Roddy Collins.

Collins said that he hopes to sign up O’Callaghan, a cult hero at Turner’s Cross when City won the league title under Damien Richardson in 2005, and praised him for his help in assisting the Dubliner to settle in to his new role. “George is brilliant,” said Collins. “He’s a player I want at this club and I’m sure we’ll come to an arrangement.”

Since winning that title five years ago, O’Callaghan has had spells with Ipswich Town, Tranmere, Dundalk and Yeovil Town. Yesterday’s training took place on the all-weather pitch at Blarney United with assistant Tommy Dunne taking charge while Collins took the opportunity to talk to the players about the club’s uncertain situation.