Two-match ban for Cork pair - Uefa

Cork City boss Damien Richardson remains optimistic ahead of the Champions League qualifier against Red Star Belgrade despite Uefa confirmation of two-match bans for Danny Murphy and Joe Gamble.

Full-back Murphy and midfielder Gamble were dismissed following an incident in the tunnel after last week's clash with Apollon Limassol, which Cork won 2-1 on aggregate.

Richardson unsuccessfully appealed the decision but will send his team out in the second qualifying-round tie without an "inferiority complex".

"It's knocked us in a big way," Richardson said ahead of tomorrow's first leg at Turner's Cross.

"We've been told it's for two games so they're out for the second leg too - and it means the challenge increases, it's even more daunting.

"They're one of the top clubs in Europe but it's what you want from a Champions League tie, it's a step up from what we normally play and it is a step up from the previous round.

"I'm glad we're at home for the first leg, which I feel may be our advantage in the tie as we're midway through our season. The most important thing is that we do not make our own problems."

Richardson believes it is important for his players not to allow the visitors to dictate the pace of the game, scenting a possible upset which would put his side within another victory of the group stage.

"We know we create chances and if we put them away then there could be an upset," Richardson added. "Last week (against Apollon Limassol) was a tremendous victory and it's a big step up.

"Patience will be very important, staying alert and concentrating too — doing those things will give us the best chance of victory. If we get a goal ahead then it will be very difficult for them.

"People are thinking that a win for them is a formality so we hope we can take that and use it to our advantage. There's no inferiority complex because you're asking for trouble if there is.

"We'll be playing the way we normally play, there won't be any sitting back, we'll be testing them. If you are not going to test them you're not going to succeed."  PA