Everton hit by flu epidemic

IF YOU happen to be on the 2.0 train from Cork to Dublin this afternoon look out for a group of men huddled together and wrapped in blankets - it's likely to be holders Shelbourne's first round opposition in the Harp lager FAI Cup.

Just eight of Everton's 17 strong first team panel have been able to train this week due to a flu epidemic at the Cork club but, having considered seeking a last minute postponement of the tie last night, manager Tony O'Sullivan has decided to press ahead with whoever is fit at kickoff time this evening.

"It's not a decision that I'm happy with but I rang around five of the players that couldn't train last night and I got a fairly positive response," said O'Sullivan.

"They weren't fit enough to come out but they are not confined to their beds so I'm going to bring them along and see who is able to play when we get there."

The situation is not exactly an encouraging one for a non league side hoping to upset the cup holders but Everton's chances of rescheduling the fixture were not helped by the Dubliners' plans to set their postponed league match with St Patrick's Athletic for Tuesday week.

"It may not be our strongest team but the enthusiasm will be there and everybody will be anxious to do their very best for the club," said O'Sullivan who has two 16 year olds and one 17 year old amongst his eight fully fit squad members.

"It's the three fellows who will definitely miss the game that I feel sorry for because they might never get a chance like this again - a trip to a place like Tolka to play against Shelbourne when they are cup holders," said O'Sullivan.

As if the southerners hadn't got enough on their plates, the news from the Shelbourne camp is that former Cork City striker Pat Morley will definitely be fit for a recall this evening while Mark Rutherford has recovered from a hamstring problem sufficiently to at least earn a place on the bench.

There are no problems expected at Inchicore this evening where the team that Shelbourne beat in last season's final will be hoping to make it past Athlone - a club who have not won this trophy since 1924 - at the first attempt.

"It's a tough first game for me as manager because Athlone are a good side. There's a lot of quality and experience in their team and they will raise their game but we have an excellent home record and the lads have prepared well for this game."

Monaghan, meanwhile, may be forced to give senior debuts to two of their teenage players this evening because injuries found in suspension - have combined to deprive manager Tom O'Connor of several first choice players.

O'Connor may well call up Stephen O'Donoghue and Joe Farland to the first team for the game while Keith Costigan may also figure in his match plans because of the injury problems.

"It may look like a bad situation to be in but I have a lot of faith in the lads that are coming into the side. They are good players and they have the ability to do very well if they go out there for us," said O'Connor yesterday.

The loss of Michael Scully is particularly unfortunate for the northerners as he was due to finish up a three match suspension against St Francis last weekend but the postponement of that match has meant that he must sit it out this evening instead.

Despite the problems Waterford boss Tommy Lynch admits that "Monaghan won't exactly be quaking in their boots comings down here to us.