Cork double Latvian swoop

Cork City Football Club have announced the signings of Latvian duo Robert Mezeckis and Guntars Silagailis.

Mezeckis, 28, joins on a free transfer from Skonto Riga, having previously played for FK Riga. A central defender, who has been capped at senior level by Latvia, Mezeckis told CorkCityFC.ie that he was delighted to have put pen to paper on a one year contract with the Rebel Army at Bishopstown this afternoon: “I came over here with the intention of earning a contract and I am very pleased to have signed for Cork City. I was actually a bit surprised to see how good the players here are, and I am impressed with how they keep the ball on the ground and try to play football. The players here are good, there is a strong team and I will do my best to help the club try to win the league this season.

Silagailis, 24, joins the club having previously played with Mezeckis at FK Riga. The striker also put pen to paper on a one year deal this afternoon, and he said he was very pleased to have signed for the club: “I am happy to have signed. I have enjoyed the training and the organization that I have seen since I came to train with the team. There are many good players here and Paul is a very good coach, so I think the season ahead will be a good one for our team.”

City Manager Paul Doolin welcomed the arrival of the two players, commenting: “They are two good players and they have played at a decent level up to now. Guntars is a big, strong forward, and I thought he did well against Waterford, and his signing gives us another option up front. Robert comes in from Skonto Riga, who finished second in the Latvian league last year. He has a good pedigree, he played in the UEFA Cup last year and he’s also an international. He played against Romania last year and he was also in the squad for their game against Armenia last week.”