National League Premier Division: Joe Gamble's call-up to Steve Staunton's international squad for their training camp in Portugal and the friendly with Chile on Wednesday week has raised the bar for every player in the league here, according to Cork City manager Damien Richardson.
Cork City v Shelbourne Turner's Cross, 8.0 On TV: Setanta Sports
"Every (national) league fan will be pleased, particularly those associated with Cork," said Richardson of his midfielder's inclusion. "Everybody accepts it's a very well-merited rise in standard for Joe. I remember my first time in the international team for a game against Sweden for a World Cup qualifier. And though I was only on the bench - I didn't get on - it's something you always remember. It's always a very special occasion and it creates another level of expectancy for Joe and the rest of us."
Gamble will be a key player again for Cork in tonight's televised clash with Shelbourne, with a win putting them top of the table an added incentive.
"Shelbourne are a great attraction in Cork," said Richardson, who has lost just once to his former club in six meeting since he took charge again at Turner's Cross last season.
Billy Woods is the likely option to come in at left-back for Danny Murphy whose late red card in Wednesday's League Cup defeat to Cobh Ramblers means he serves an automatic one-match suspension. Alternatively, Neal Horgan could switch flanks with Cillian Lordan coming in at right-back.
Midfield talisman George O'Callaghan is rated 50/50 with an ongoing ankle problem while John O'Flynn will start provided he's suffered no reaction to a hamstring problem in training yesterday.
Shelbourne continue without Jamie Harris (hamstring), Jim Crawford (hamstring) and Joseph Ndo (groin) while Alan Moore, who trained lightly yesterday following his ankle injury sustained against Dublin City a week ago, will be assessed this morning.
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