Buckley: 'Huge' offer needed to tempt City to part with Keating

Liam Buckley insists top scorer Ruairi Keating is staying put to aid Cork City’s survival pursuit unless a seismic bid is lodged.

Title contenders Derry City are admirers of the man whose eighth goal of the season clinched a point at St Patrick’s Athletic on Friday but were rebuffed in their approach early on in this July transfer window.

Buckley, initially brought in to assist with recruitment but now interim boss for the remainder of the season, has Keating under contract but less control over Matt Healy’s immediate future.

The midfielder’s loan spell recently expired, shortly after being released by Ipswich Town, and he’s currently abroad on trial with a prospective new employer.

City have added goalkeeper Tiernan Brooks – who had an eventful debut at Richmond Park – and Conor Drinan, with further strengthening planned before the window closes.

Friday’s 1-1 draw kept the gap to eight-placed Drogheda at two points and City are away to Sligo Rovers on Saturday before travelling to Treaty United the following Friday in the FAI Cup.

“Ruairi will be here until the end of the season at least,” said Buckley about Keating.

“Of course, if a huge offer came in, we’d have to look at it but, in fairness to him, he’s been very good for us.

“Once the team gets better, there’ll be more in him. Having played up front myself, I know you need your team to be playing well to do well.

“He’s got a lot going for him. Hopefully, we can improve the team and he’ll definitely get his fair share of goals.” 

City, under new owner Dermot Usher, chose to stick with the one-year contract model following promotion but Buckley indicated they are already in discussions about extending deals into 2024.

Rival clubs have begun tying players