Cork City expect a ruling on their latest bid to unshackle Colin Healy  and Gareth Farrelly by next weekend.

Fifa is preventing the former Irish internationals from playing until July 1st as they have already played for two other clubs this season.

Following unsuccessful appeals to the sport's governing body, manager  Damien Richardson had given up hope of securing their services before  that summer date.

However, the Professional Footballers Association in England has now  adopted the case as both Healy and Farrelly are members of their union, having played most recently for English clubs.

The PFA are appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), and Richardson is now hopeful of a successful outcome despite the fact CAS seldom overturn rulings.

"I'm hopeful we might have something definite (by next weekend)," he said.  "I would anticipate that we'll get a very good reaction this time  around but I still can't be counting any chickens.

"To Fifa we may be a small club on the outer edge of Europe but the PFA don't think like that.  They are a powerful organisation with a huge influence on European football.

"Their involvement is a big boost for us. The lads' spirits have been uplifted greatly and both are very confident something might come of this."

While Cork City have spent a "considerable amount" on their appeal process to date, the PFA are funding this particular request to CAS, one Richardson says will be "seriously professional".