Cork City boss Tim Clancy hopes Cathal O’Sullivan's return from injury the first of many

ON THE MEND: Cork City's Manager Tim Clancy after the draw with Shelbourne. Pic: ©INPHO/Andrew Conan.

Cathal O’Sullivan is scheduled to return to the Cork City team for their first game after the international window – against surprise league leaders Drogheda United.

The talented teen is one of several of City’s headline acts to be sidelined since the season began a month ago after the winger suffering a knee injury on the opening night during Galway United’s visit to Turner’s Cross.

O’Sullivan recently reaching his 18th birthday means he’s allowed to join a UK club and while that move may benefit all parties during the summer window, City’s fans should see plenty more of the playmaker in the meantime.

“We’re missing Seáni Maguire, Cathal O’Sullivan, Malik Dijksteel, Greg Bolger, Evan McLoughlin, Harry Nevin and Conor Drinan - all experienced first team players bar Cathal, who’s a young lad but is one of the most talented players I’ve ever seen,” outlined Clancy after Friday’s 1-1 draw at champions Shelbourne.

“We’re missing a lot, a lot of players but (we) go into this international break having lost just one of our first five games.

“We probably should have won the drawn games at home to Sligo Rovers and Galway United. The only game we lost was when we went down to 10 men against Waterford and for the first 45-minutes of that game we were extremely comfortable so I think we can be really pleased with ourselves and where we are sitting at the minute.

“When we get a few of those lads back, a few back for the Drogheda United game on Friday week, I think we’ll be alright.”

Maguire’s injury seems to be most concerning. He hobbled out of the Waterford defeat and it transpires the hamstring strain is being investigated further.

Clancy headhunted the former Ireland international and Ruairi Keating, who opened the scoring at Tolka Park, with the intention of spearheading their return to the top-flight.

“There is (a prognosis) on Seáni but he’s getting a second opinion,” he revealed.

“He’s tweaked his hamstring and he’s going to be a good few weeks not available. It’s good that there is a week off and then you’re looking to get him back ASAP.

“But Seani is an ultimate professional. So whatever weeks he’s given, you’d imagine he’ll be back probably before then.

“Cathal will be available for Drogheda and we’re hoping Evan McLaughlin will be too. Injuries happen but it’s just a bit of a freak at the minute that they're catching so many key players.

“We’re down numbers and had youngsters on the bench but of the starters, Freddie Anderson is 18, Benny Couto 20 and Kit Nelson is 19.”

Some respite after a hectic start to the season, albeit their trip to Shamrock Rovers perished due to waterlogged pitch, is welcome.

Clancy said: “We do our recovery on Saturday and probably give the players an extra 2 days which will make around 4/5 days in total with the way our week is structured.

“There are nine players from abroad, so they’ll be going home for a few days. I know TT's (Tein Troost) have been over for every game, I think Freddie’s Dad and his brother have been over for most games as well so while they’re seeing family it's also good for them to get home and see all their family and friends as well.”