League Preview: Cork City -v- Shelbourne

CORK CITY

New Cork City recruit Jaze Kabia will be hoping that he can fire on his debut as he faces his former club Shelbourne at Turner’s Cross on Friday night (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

Kabia made his move to City official earlier this week after leaving Scottish top-flight side Livingston at the end of the league season in the UK.

Since then the player has been in training with City before making his move to City official.

However, his first game back in the League of Ireland sees him play against his former club Shelbourne.

“It’s great to get it over the line, and it’s good to be home also,” he said earlier this week.

"I’m looking forward to getting going! I’d know a few of the boys already, and they’ve been great. They’ve helped me settle in and get to know the rest of the squad."

Kabia’s arrival is not Cork’s only new signing this week, with goalkeeper Ollie Byrne also joining on loan from Altrincham.

City have not reported any other team news this week.

SHELBOURNE

Shelbourne boss Damien Duff is hoping that his side can hit back after they were knocked out of the FAI Cup by Bohemians last week.

The Reds – FAI Cup finalists in 2022 – were edged out at Dalymount Park thanks to a Jonathan Afolabi header in the first half.

But it was a tie that Shels failed to start well in, and their manager is hopeful that they can respond on the road against Cork City.

“They’re young boys,” Duff said about his squad.

“We saw a good response for the most part in training this week, with them, it’s give them a shake and a rattle and get focused on the next game, we can’t feel sorry for ourselves the whole week.

“Time moves on quickly in football. Leave it behind because the next game is absolutely massive for us and for Cork City.” 

Referee: David Dunne.

PREDICTION

Cork City 0-2 Shelbourne

Cork City

Injured: N/A.

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: None.

Shelbourne

Injured: Paddy Barrett, Brian McManus.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.