LEAGUE OF IRELAND PREVIEW:CORK CITY'S financial difficulties off the field could well be an improbable contributory factor in their success on it so far this season, according to Bohemians' captain Owen Heary.
Heary cites a similar scenario at Shelbourne in 2006 when the players held firm to lift a third title in four years as the club faced financial implosion.
Cork have got an adjournment from the High Court until June 15th in regard to a winding up petition over a debt of almost €300,000 owed to the Revenue Commissioners.
Despite the very future existence of the club remaining in doubt, Paul Doolin and his Cork players could be six points clear at the top of the table by the end of play tonight.
The flip side of that, though, is that a win for Bohemians in the top-of-the-table clash would see the champions regain the lead on goal difference.
"The same thing happened us at Shels a few years ago and sometimes it can galvanise players," said Heary, who again won't feature tonight due to a hamstring strain.
"When things happen off the field players seem to come closer together, maybe that's one of the reasons why they're doing so well." While agreeing that the game could be pivotal in the race for the title, Heary also insists there's a long way to go yet.
"It's a massive game. You don't want to be six points behind, but it's not the end of the world if that does happen, especially playing each other four times. There is plenty of time to catch up."
Cork manager Doolin, meanwhile, wants the crowd to play their part tonight. "There is nothing better for the players than a big crowd cheering the team on," said Doolin. "You could see the difference against Derry when we had over 4,000 in the ground, the atmosphere was excellent and it really added to the occasion.
"I would hope that we get an even bigger crowd against Bohemians as it would give everyone a big lift. Neither team will win or lose the league (tonight), but it is great to have a big game like this to look forward to."
With Glen Crowe and Mark Rossiter also out injured along with Heary, and Jason McGuinness suspended, manager Pat Fenlon is buoyed by the return of midfielders Joseph Ndo and Gary Deegan.
Cork are without the suspended Pat Sullivan but Neal Horgan returns from injury and could slot in at right-back. Defender Robert Mezeckis, Davin O'Neill and Shane Duggan all remain out injured.
Meanwhile, PFAI general secretary Stephen McGuinness said he was still awaiting a formal response from Dundalk regarding their sacking of defender Dave Rogers for dropping his shorts towards St Patrick's Athletic fans in last week's game at Oriel Park. Rogers was sent off following the incident, but it's widely regarded that his subsequent sacking by the club was harsh.
"We wrote to Dundalk two days ago - directly to Gerry Matthews - looking for it in writing that Dave Rogers has been sacked," said McGuinness.
"The contract states quite clearly that the player must be given 10 days' notice, sent by registered post, in relation to being dismissed. We don't have that yet.
"The FAI aren't willing to act on it until they get something formally in writing from the club. At the moment, because nothing has happened we can't do anything in regards to him getting employment at another club. Is he an out-of-work professional or not? We are eager for Dundalk to respond to us.
"While the FAI don't have anything in writing they won't set up a DRC (Disputes Resolution Commission). They're asking on what basis one should be set-up because they have his contract and they have no notification of any changes to that."
Rogers is automatically suspended for tonight's home clash with Sligo Rovers anyway, though manager Seán Connor welcomes midfielder, and leading scorer, Chris Turner back from suspension.
Rafael Cretaro, Sligo's topscorer, misses out though suspension along with defender Mauro Almeida (ankle) and winger Sean Doherty (hamstring). Sligo boss Paul Cook has defender Danny Ventre returning from a ban.
St Patrick's Athletic manager Jeff Kenna restructures his midfield for the meeting with Bray Wanderers at Richmond Park in light of both central players Stuart Byrne (ankle) and Alan Cawley (calf) picking up injuries in Dundalk. They join Gints Freimanis (knee), Gary Dempsey and Mark Leech (both broken leg) on the sidelines while Jamie Harris is suspended.
Defender Jason Gavin returns from suspension while Damian Lynch is fit and likely to partner Gareth O'Connor in central midfield.
Winger Gary McCabe is fit to return for Bray following a calf injury, though Derek Pender (ankle) remains out.
Tonight's Fixtures (7.45 unless stated): Premier Division: Cork City v Bohemians; Dundalk v Sligo Rovers; St Patrick's Athletic v Bray Wanderers. First Division: Shelbourne v Monaghan United (8pm).
