Cork relishing chance to bring Shelbourne back to earth

Putting a question mark over Shelbourne's participation in the Champions League next season will be Cork City's priority as they attempt to bring Pat Fenlon's side back down to domestic reality with a bang before what should be a full house at Turner's Cross this afternoon

Travelling south without their two main strikers, Jason Byrne and Glen Fitzpatrick, both out due to suspension, may be viewed as an added hindrance to Shelbourne following their heroics in holding Deportivo La Coruna to a scoreless draw on Wednesday night.

However, Cork's mercurial midfielder George O'Callaghan doesn't agree that it's an opportune time to be playing them. "I don't know whether there would be a good time to play Shels at the moment," he said. "They are on a high. In fact, I'd say it's a disadvantage to us because Shels will be so full of confidence."

"Shels have been fantastic. They have been a credit to the league. I thought they were outstanding the other night," added O'Callaghan.

Cork are no doubt relishing a cut at the champions. It's the biggest match of their season so far; defeat would almost certainly end their ambitions of winning the league. Shelbourne will take comfort from knowing just where the pressure really lies.

Eight points behind with a game in hand, Cork know a win would keep them in the title frame.

"It's very important for us, because if Shels beat us, the league is probably gone," admitted O'Callaghan. "All we can do is concentrate on winning every game. Our whole focus is on the league now."

Cork are at full strength, with manager Pat Dolan unlikely to change the starting 11 that won 3-0 at St Patrick's Athletic last Friday.

Gerard Rowe and Ger McCarthy vie to start up front in the absence of Byrne and Fitzpatrick, with pushing Alan Moore up from midfield an option Fenlon may also consider.

August will make or break Longford Town's season, according to winger Seán Prunty. The midlanders got back on track in the league with victory away to Waterford United last week and they face fellow strugglers St Patrick's at Flancare Park tonight.

Next up is the third round of their FAI Cup defence with the pick of the ties at home to Shamrock Rovers. Then, on August 30th, Longford host Bohemians for the League Cup final.

"This is a huge month for us. Our whole season could be decided before it's over," said Prunty.

Seán Dillon returns from suspension and should come straight back into defence, probably at left-back, with Prunty pushed back up to his more familiar left-wing role.

Central defender Stephen Paisley remains out with the ankle injury that has forced him to pull out of Don Givens's Irish under-21 squad for Tuesday's friendly with Bulgaria at United Park.

Winger Mark Quinless has joined St Patrick's on loan from Drogheda until the end of the season and he comes straight into their squad, which is again missing veteran Paul Osam (knee).

TONIGHT'S FIXTURES (7.45 unless stated): Premier Division - Cork City v Shelbourne (5.0); Longford Town v St Patrick's Athletic (7.30). First Division - Cobh Ramblers v Sligo Rovers; Finn Harps v Kildare County; Limerick FC v Bray Wanderers (6.30).