St Pats are the Arsenal of League of Ireland, says Cork City boss John Caulfield

John Caulfield is a professed fan of St Pats’ style of football under Liam Buckley but he’ll be hoping his Cork City can knock the glide out of their stride at Richmond Park this evening.

“They’re a top side, Liam Buckley is a super manager. They’ve won the league, they’ve won the cup and we will really have to be on form up there, because it is a really hard place to go and get a result. They are a really strong, passing team.

“They’re probably the Arsenal of the League of Ireland. They pass from the back, that is Liam’s philosophy, and they are a really entertaining team to watch. They can cut you open down the wings or through the centre. It is very pleasing to the eye and you have to watch them.”

Of course, City were easy on the eye themselves last time out, a 3-0 win against Derry City at Turner’s Cross keeping their unbeaten run intact and taking them to second on the table.

“We know Pat’s will come out to play and want to win the match, and we will do similar,” says Caulfield. “There is no intention of us going out and playing for a draw, we don’t do that. We are hoping to go to Pat’s and win. It is a big challenge for us, but we are looking forward to it.”

For the visitors, Josh O’Shea is ruled out with a knock he picked up in Monday’s EA Sports Cup win over Waterford while Colin Healy, Michael McSweeney and Liam Kearney are all rated as doubtful.

For the Saints, Killian Brennan is back from suspension, but they will be without Ian Bermingham following his dismissal in last week’s 2-2 draw away to Longford Town. Brendan Clarke is out with an ankle injury but Jason McGuinness is back in training and could feature for the first time since the opening game of the season. Says manager Liam Buckley: “Cork are a good side and have made a good start to the league. Games between us and Cork are always very tight and I’d expect Friday to be no different. John’s side will come here looking for a result so it should make for a great game, especially as I know our crowd will turn out in big numbers and get behind the team.”

Champions Dundalk might have dropped their first points away to Limerick but, going into tonight’s Louth derby against Drogheda United, they have the fresh boost of seeing striker David McMillan named as the SSE/Airtricity/Soccer Writers Association of Ireland Player of the Month for his four goals in March.

“There’s a little bit of extra edge in a derby game but we are focused on ourselves and our preparation,” says manager Stephen Kenny .

Tonight’s other Premier Division ties see Bohemians at home to Longford Town, Derry City hosting Shamrock Rovers and Galway United entertaining Sligo Rovers while, in the First Division, it’s Waterford United v Cobh Ramblers, RSC; Cabinteely v UCD, Stradbrook; Finn Harps v Athlone Town, Finn Park (8pm) and Shelbourne v Wexford Youths, Tolka Park (8pm). Games kick off at 7.45pm unless otherwise indicated.