DUBLIN SUPER CUP:DAMIEN RICHARDSON, yesterday announced as manager of an Airtricity League XI, will next week name a provisional squad for the inaugural Dublin Super Cup at the end of next month.

Celtic, Manchester City and Inter Milan make up the four-team tournament to be staged at the Aviva Stadium, with two games on each of the days of July 30th and 31st.

Richardson will then whittle his panel down to a 22-man squad ahead of the tournament.

Hampering his squad selection, however, will be Irish clubs’ participation in Europe. Sligo Rovers are scheduled to play in the third qualifying round of the Europa League either side of the Dublin tournament, while Shamrock Rovers, in the Champions League, St Patrick’s Athletic and Bohemians would also hope to be still otherwise engaged in Europe.

“Because this is a competitive tournament it’s important that everyone who participates in it is committed to it,” said Richardson. “If clubs are involved in Europe before and after it, players wouldn’t be able to give their full attention and managers wouldn’t want them to. It would be a fruitless exercise to include them. By announcing a larger squad and then pegging the numbers down nearer the time is the best way to get a proper team.”

Richardson was in charge of a domestic eleven that lost 7-1 to Manchester United last summer, but promised his team will be much better prepared this year.

“This season we’ll have a week’s preparation. At this level, preparation is essential,” said Richardson.

“This tournament will give our players terrific experience of playing against real quality. Because it’s a competitive tournament we want our players to be able to apply themselves with diligence in respect, first of all, of their own performance and the opposition. There is no point in the opposition coming here and we not giving it a proper go, so to speak.

“I’ve spoken to managers already and they understand the importance of this tournament. All the manager will be really behind this tournament. I’ve had no words to the contrary.”

Richardson insisted that last year’s heavy defeat to Manchester United wasn’t disheartening for his players. “It wasn’t a 7-1 game. Certain things went on in that game that won’t happen in this tournament. From what happened last year every player who played will be the better for it as an individual and a collective.

“Last season was a very good step forward in most respect. What we have to show this year is that lessons have been learned and we can put that into operation and show exactly how good we are at competing.

“Our preparation will be better. This year we’ll have a week’s preparation. At this level preparation is essential, your performance is mirrored in your preparation.

“There will be no stoned left unturned to ensure that we get the best possible performance and the players get the best looking after, so that the managers can understand that this will be an experience from which the players will gain.”

The Airtricity XI open the tournament against FA Cup winners Manchester City before playing Scottish Cup holders Celtic the following day. Inter Milan versus Manchester City closes the tournament on the Sunday afternoon.

“To play any of these clubs is appetising. Man City are the team everyone is talking about across Europe,” said Richardson. “They are into the Champions League and they have to show they are ready for the huge task that awaits them.

“I think it’s a most wonderful game to open the tournament. It’s a huge challenge, a very strong team with great individual talent, an experienced manager. They have already proven they will be big players on the world stage and it’s great to be involved in that sort of company.”

Airtricity League director Fran Gavin said the league is delighted with the exposure the tournament, which will be broadcast in 100 countries, will give it.

“It’s a festival weekend of football and entertainment. It’s not every weekend you’ll get the chance to see these teams on your own doorstep.

“I’m sure Man City and Celtic will bring over a big support. I think we’ll get huge crowds.”

Saturday, July 30th

Airtricity League XI v Man City, 2pm

Inter Milan v Celtic, 4.30pm

Sunday, July 31st

Airtricity League XI v Celtic, 2pm

Inter Milan v Manchester City, 4.30pm