Freddie Anderson looking to go out on a high with Cork City in Cup showpiece

The Turner's Cross outfit shocked the Saints on Friday night.

Sun, 05 Oct, 2025 - 23:59

John Fallon

Cork City’s Freddie Anderson will report for duty with the USA on Tuesday knowing that the club circuit he returns will have a fresh complexion.

Friday’s 3-0 semi-final victory over St Patrick’s Athletic by a City side heading for a second relegation in three years came against the odds, obliterating the widely held prediction of an All-Dublin FAI Cup final at Lansdowne Road on November 9.

Anderson curbing the impact of Tottenham-bound fellow teen Mason Melia was instrumental in the biggest night of City’s season at a throbbing Turner’s Cross.

Another aspect of his game was evident by a defence-splitting pass for Seáni Maguire to plunder the breakthrough after only eight minutes.

Anderson, like Melia, is 18 and an upward trajectory in his career.

The son of former Manchester United, Arsenal and Notts Forest defender Viv was sent on loan by Stoke City for his first senior experience and admits the exposure has hardened him to the demands of top-level football.

USA scouts have been watching closely. He’s eligible through his mother and throughout this year in Ireland has been a regular call-up to their U20 squad.

Fresh from his heroics on Friday night, he’s on a flight to Pinatar for a training camp and couple of friendlies.

There are four league matches remaining upon his return but all roads lead to Dublin for the national decider, a first City appearance in the showpiece since 2018.

It will likely be Anderson's last appearance for the Rebel Army but the idea of playing in front of 50,000 fans and a global audience has energised him at the conclusion of an often bruising introduction to ‘men’s football.’ “We were seen as the underdogs but in the dressing room the feeling was we could beat anyone coming to our place,” he said about Friday’s landslide.

“We didn’t see us as underdogs but the outside noise saw it was a given of a final between Shamrock Rovers and St Pat’s.

“It wasn’t in the end and we’re going to do our best to win the final.

“I’ve seen clips of the finals but never watched it live before. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Silverware, and with it clinching a Europa League place for City grossing a guaranteed €500,000, wasn’t on his mind when deciding an Irish move was best for his career.

“I came here to get as many games as possible and gain some experience under my belt,” he explains.

“It’s been a tough season in the league but the FAI Cup has given us a bit of a break.

“Having a day out at the Aviva is something for us all to look forward to. Hopefully it takes pressure off and gives our fans something to cheer about.

“I’ve developed loads from playing against men. That’s so different from playing against kids every week. I’ve grown physically, in my decision making and getting used to pressurised moments.

“There’s a lot riding on games like these. You have to adapt quickly and feel that I have.”

Big Viv has been a regular at City’s matches but after missing the semi-final, will lead the Anderson entourage in Dublin 4.

“Everybody was going nuts in the dressing-room so I only glanced at his text message but it read Proud Dad,” he revealed.

“He’ll be at the final – as will lots of other family and friends.”