Cork City talisman John Dunleavy puts injury nightmare to bed as he signs new contract

Cork City captain Johnny Dunleavy has re-signed for the double champions for 2018 following an injury-ravaged campaign that saw both the FAI Cup and Premier Division return to Turners Cross.

The 26-year-old Donegal man has enjoyed a successful spell on Leeside to date with the former Wolverhampton Wanderers and Barnet player racking up two FAI Cups and one Premier Division title.

Having been installed as the club captain before the start of the 2014 season at Turners Cross, Dunleavy has gone from strength to strength despite having to deal with a series of devastating injuries.

Speaking with the club’s official website, the domineering defensive player spoke of his delight on getting the deal done on paper and is looking forward to getting back on his road to recovery.

“I am delighted to sign back again,” Dunleavy said.

“We knew that it was happening, but it was just a case of finding the right time to sit down and get everything sorted out and signed. Now, it’s time to get the head down and focus on the rehab for another while.”

Dunleavy spoke of his desire to get back on the pitch at Turners Cross and is aiming to come back as a better player as he was before his latest setback.

“It’s never nice to sit and watch, I’m the worst watcher in the world, but everything is going according to plan so far and I’ll come back bigger and better than ever.”

Dunleavy also spoke of his, and manager’s John Caulfield’s, desire to replicate what was a dominant year for City.

“John recruits well every year and this year is no different. The boys that have come in are quality players and will add competition.

“It’s exciting. All of a sudden, everyone is gunning for us which is a different kind of pressure, but that is the way you would want it. As a footballer, you want success and you want trophies. It will be tough to replicate this year, but that will be our aim.”

Caulfield praised Dunleavy for his perseverance in getting over his injury struggles, emphasising the importance that the Donegal man has with the other members of his first team squad.

“Johnny is working very hard to get back and we all hope to see him back soon. We all know what a vital part of the club he is and what an outstanding player he is.

“The sooner he is back, the better for us and, while he will miss the start of the season, we believe he will be back before too long.

“Our physio team of James Peckitt and Joe Normoyle from the Mardyke Arena deserve a lot of credit too, as they have been working very hard with Johnny.

“He has been in this position before, but through hard work and perseverance, as well as our excellent medical team, he has come back.

“I believe he is ahead of his original schedule, which is great to see, and we can’t wait to have him back.

“We are not putting him under any pressure to get back, as he is recovering from a serious injury, but we will all be delighted to see him back in action.”