Trio missing City game is positive, says Clancy
Cork City will be without three of their young stars for the top-of-the-table clash against Treaty United on Friday night but as far as manager Tim Clancy is concerned, it’s for the best of reasons.
Jaden Umeh, Matthew Murray and Cathal O’Sullivan are in Portugal with the Republic of Ireland U-17 squad for the Euro Elite Round Qualifiers as they look to seal their place at the finals in Cyprus this summer.
O’Sullivan’s absence, in particular, could be crucial for City when the league leaders take on their Munster and title rivals at Markets Field, as he has been in excellent form during their unbeaten start to the new season.
The 16-year-old became the youngest-ever goal-scorer for the men's first team when he netted a sensational strike against Bray Wanderers last Friday, which moved City three points clear of second-placed Treaty, whose game against Longford Town was postponed last weekend.
O’Sullivan was the only City starter in Ireland’s 4-1 loss to Portugal on Thursday with Umeh, who only turned 16 on Monday, coming off the bench at half-time. Hoffenheim youngster, formerly of City, Matthew Moore also started while his namesake Murray was an unused sub.
The City contingent will all be hoping for more minutes in the young Boys in Green’s remaining games against Germany on Saturday and Croatia on Tuesday.
They will also be hoping City enhance their title winning credentials with a significant victory in Limerick.
“I don’t think there is anything better than representing your country,” began Clancy.
“For us as a club, to have three of the lads at the Elite Phase of the European Championship U17s shows the brilliant work that Kearns (Liam Kearney) has been doing here for multiple years now.
“Obviously we would love to
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