City wait on O'Callaghan

Cork midfielder George O’Callaghan remains a doubt ahead of their Champions League first qualifying round first-leg tie at home to Apollon Limassol tomorrow.

The 26-year-old was expected to return to training yesterday after being given time off by manager Damien Richardson for personal reasons.

However, having missed that session and the weekend’s victory over Longford Town in the eircom Premier Division, O’Callaghan’s participation against the Cypriots looks unlikely.

“George could still be involved and I’ll not be making a decision on that yet,” said Richardson.

“Ultimately, all footballers control their own destiny and decide whether they want to play. If George wants to be involved, I want to speak to him.”

O’Callaghan is reported to have disputed Richardson’s side of things, claiming he is being punished after a bust-up when the manager criticised him for getting sent off in a match against Bohemians.

There is also speculation the player is set to leave the club, although Richardson responded to that suggestion by saying: “There is no way that George is going to play for any other eircom League club.”