City have defensive worries ahead of Dundalk game

Following yesterday’s friendly against Celtic, Cork City return to league action as they travel to face Dundalk on Saturday night.

With three successive wins in competitive outings, Paul Doolin’s side will travel to Oriel Park in confident form, and the City boss said that his side will be looking to claim another three points.

Doolin said: "We have a chance to take advantage of having a game in hand, so we will hope to take something out of the game, preferably three points.

"A win would be a fantastic result and would allow us to close the gap on Bohs and Rovers. It won’t be easy, but if you want to be challenging at the top of the table, you need to perform every week."

Danny Murphy is ruled out due to suspension, while Kevin Long was substituted against Celtic having picked up a knock to his knee and is rated as doubtful.

Greg O’Halloran missed the Celtic game due to a back problem suffered in the win over Galway, and he is also a major doubt, giving Doolin a defensive headache ahead of the tie.

City came from behind to beat Dundalk at Oriel earlier in the season, a win that sparked an unbeaten run which saw City climb to the top of the table, and Doolin said that he hopes his side can replicate that form again for the remainder of the season.

He said: "We try to win every game we play, and our record away from home this season is excellent. The last time we played at Oriel we came from behind and went on a great run, and I think we’re at a point in the season where, if we could go on a good run like that, it could push us right up the table."