Richardson confident over cup tie

Cork boss Damien Richardson remains confident the eircom League leaders can overcome a two-goal deficit to qualify for the UEFA Cup group stage tomorrow.

City trail Slavia Prague 2-0 after defeat in the first leg of their first-round tie in the Czech capital a fortnight ago but Richardson believes it can be different at Turners Cross.

Richardson, who saw his side past Ekranas and Djurgardens in qualifying, said: “We are looking forward to it but are aware of the enormity of the task.

“They are a step up from the Lithuanian and Swedish teams we played in terms of technique, physicality and cleverness.

“They are very well versed in the art of European football and having a two-goal advantage puts a challenge in front of us.

“Our level of performance was not as good as it could have been but we caused them problems and that gives us belief we can score against them.

“Slavia Prague are an attacking team. Defensively, we can’t afford them to score but if they give us a chance we have to take it.

“We realise to beat them we have to play at our highest potential. If we can come up with our best we can beat them but whether that will be good enough to win the tie I’m not so sure.”

Richardson has a fully-fit squad for a game City approach in good heart after reaching the FAI Cup final with victory over Sligo Rovers last weekend.

The club are also expecting a capacity crowd as they look to respond to the goals of Tomas Hrdlicka and Karel Pitak.

Richardson added: “We are having a tremendous season and I think it is the right time to play them. It is a real test of just where we are.

“This is the greatest thing the club has achieved in European terms and to get through to the group stages would be great, not only for us but for the eircom League.

“It is only a matter of time before a team gets through because the standard is improving year on year.

“Our ground is a lot more homely than theirs, the crowd are tighter to the pitch. It is a full house and with 7-8,000 it could be intimidating for them.

“The Cork crowd will be good in that respect if we can give them something to get their teeth into.”