Lennon impressed by Cork showing

Neil Lennon was impressed by an experimental Cork City, after his young Celtic charges defeated the Leesiders by a goal to nil at Turner’s Cross last night.

“Cork gave as good as they got, and the night was for them really. I’m glad they got a decent turnout and the standard was good. We’ve already had players like Paddy come through from the LoI and you look at people like Keith Fahey, who has done well at Birmingham, and Colin Healy who’s gone to Ipswich.

“There’s talent here and the scouts come flocking week in week out. We’ll keep looking for Irish players, obviously because it’s important to have them at the club. Cork were very well organised, and they were unfortunate not to score but I’m delighted that we won.”

The Lurgan man also valued the game as good work-out for his own players, with a host of reserve players out to impress. “It was a great exercise for players like Barry Robson, who needed 90 minutes,” said Lennon. “I thought we were excellent first half and obviously we had to make a lot of changes to give all the boys a bit of a game.”

Paddy McCourt’s first half goal was the difference between the sides, with the midfielder producing a mesmerising first half performance, earning the plaudits of the 3,500 plus his manager for the night.“He’s a maverick isn’t he? Some of the stuff he does on the ball is tremendous and his goal was quality. He is a talented boy and can only get better, but he’s still only learning the game at a professional level.

Having already made a couple of appearances from the bench for the first team, is it about time that the former Derry man made a surge into Tony Mowbray’s first choice side? “It’s up to Paddy really,” admitted Lennon. “He’s already in the managers mind and has come off the bench already this season and he has already made progress since he came here. I’m not sure whether he has signed a two year or three year contract but I’m sure it’ll be under review soon that’s for sure.”