Cork City sign former Limerick striker Darragh Rainsford from FAI Junior Cup runners-up Pike Rovers

Cork City have announced their fifth signing of the off-season in the shape of striker Darragh Rainsford.

The 24-year-old joins the Leesiders after a spell with Pike Rovers, having previously played in the League of Ireland with Limerick.

Cork City manager John Caulfield has high hopes for the Limerick man for the coming season.

“We have had a number of players come in from amateur football and do very well, and we feel that, with hard work over the next number of weeks, Darragh could do really well for us,” the City manager told CorkCityFC.ie.

Rainsford joins Dan Casey, Garry Comerford, Daire O’ Connor and Tadgh Ryan in making the move to Turner’s Cross for the 2019 season.

The striker has spent three seasons away from the League of Ireland, playing for Limerick-based teams Fairview Rangers, Carew Park and Pike Rovers.

Rainsford is under no illusions about his place in the squad, telling the club’s website: “I’m not foolish; I don’t think I am signing and that I will be in John’s starting eleven straight away.

“I know I have to work my socks off, get as fit as I can and take my chances in pre-season.

“All going well, I hope to get into the squad an make a few appearances, and if I can do well from there, push into the team.”

Caulfield said that Rainsford has trained with the squad for the past couple of weeks and done well.

“There are certain things he needs to work on. The step-up in intensity will be big, but he has a fantastic attitude and it is a real opportunity for him,” he said.