Damien Duff has homework done ahead of Cork City test

Damien Duff has been swotting up on Cork City ahead of his expected Shamrock Rovers debut against Cork City tonight at Tallaght Stadium (7.05pm).

As they aim for the win that would close the gap on second-placed City to two points, Rovers boss Pat Fenlon admits the Ireland legend could be pressed into action from the bench.

Duff has only watched St Patrick’s Athletic and Longford Town in the flesh during his return from an ankle injury but blitzed through the archive of RTÉ’s magazine programme Soccer Republic to prepare himself for John Caulfield’s side.

“I’d taped about four or five of the last editions and was watching them all the other night just in case I came on against Longford on Friday,” said the 36-year-old.

“I’ve been doing my homework, something you can never stop doing. Pats are a lovely footballing team, I think Cork will be a bit different and then we’ve to play Dundalk in a couple of weeks. It’s exciting to be back here playing for Rovers for the rest of this season and next.”

Duff, who confirmed all earnings over his 18-month contract will be donated to two charities, Temple Street Hospital and Heart Children Ireland, insists he’ll have to be patient to cement a place in the team.

“The manager is not going to start me just because I’ve played for Ireland or played in England for 20 years,” he said.

City will look to bounce back from Friday’s home defeat against Limerick. Captain Johnny Dunleavy is out for several weeks after suffering a fractured cheekbone but fellow defenders Darren Dennehy and John Kavanagh have recovered from their injuries.

“This is a huge game for both teams,” said Caulfield. “Rovers are doing really well, feeling they can win the title, but we went 13 games unbeaten after losing to Dundalk earlier this season.”

Elsewhere on a night the top four meet, leaders Dundalk host third-placed St Patrick’s Atheltic (7.45pm) boasting a fully-fit squad. Striker Ciaran Kilduff, however, isn’t available as part of the deal which saw him join the Lilywhites from St Pat’s last month.

Victory at Turner’s Cross breathed life into Limerick’s quest to beat the drop and they can make it four wins on the spin should they see off a Longford Town side struggling to maintain their early-season form.

In the other pair of matches, Sligo Rovers host Derry City whilst Bohemians travel to Bray Wanderers (both 7.45pm).