Doolin eager to progress

The pick of tonight’s FAI Ford Cup fixtures sees two Premier Division sides meeting at Turner’s Cross as Cork City take on Sligo Rovers, kick-off 7.45pm.

City boss Paul Doolin will have to plan without midfielders Joe Gamble and Stephen O’Donnell as both miss out through suspension

Robert Mezeckis and Davin O’Neill are also ruled out for tonight’s cup tie through injury.

Doolin said: “A lot of people refer to the cup as an opportunity to take a break from the league, but I do not see it quite like that.

“Every game we play is important, be it in the league or in the cup, and with a record of nine wins and three draws in our last 15 games, we are still in good form so we do not really want that interrupted.

“The important thing is for us to get a win and to progress to the next round.

“The FAI Cup is a good competition and one I certainly have fond memories of.”

Sligo are likely to be without Alan Keane who injured his hamstring in training and was to undergo a fitness test this morning.

Stephen Parkhouse remains on the sidelines, although Romuald Boco returns from international duty and Sean Doherty will be in the squad as he returns from injury.