Ruairi Keating's imminent return a huge boost for Cork City ahead of cup final

Cork City are long past the point where results matter. 

What counts now are performances, and in that regard, Saturday’s 1–1 draw away to Sligo Rovers – a side fighting for their Premier Division lives – was another small step forward. For Ger Nash, there was more to take from the Showgrounds than a point.

Ruairi Keating is back on the field. Harry Nevin and Matthew Murray are close. And, crucially, there was spirit.

“We've had Ruairi Keating playing in the U20s today,” Nash said after the draw with Sligo. “We've got hopefully Matt Murray and Harry Nevin joining us on Monday.

"We left Rory Feely and Charlie Lyons behind for this one. We made some changes in the game just to look after some of our players as well,” he said, of the early withdrawals of Sean Murray and Seani Maguire.

“So when you consider all those factors, I thought the players really played for the shirt tonight.” 

The improvement from their trip to Drogheda was clear.

“Obviously we've made a lot of changes at Drogheda and it was a unique day in some ways. But I think it was definitely an improved performance.

“I think especially from after about 20 minutes, when we started to play much better with the ball. The second half of the first half, we played some good football. We built well, we switched play well.

“Josh Fitzpatrick was a real threat down the right-hand side. Alex Nolan and him linked up well at times. 

We had a couple of decent opportunities through that and built up the pitch well in the second half of the first half. I was pleased with that.

“And then we scored a really good goal as well. We looked threatening,” he explained. 

“We could have had a couple more. Maybe a little bit better finish on that last little pass. But look, overall, it was an improved performance.” 

If the football was encouraging, it was the attitude that most impressed the manager, particularly after Sligo equalised and pressed for a winner in front of a restless home crowd.

“It was a real gutsy display,” said Nash. 

“Probably epitomised by Fitzy in terms of that last block near the end, he really put his body on the line, which is probably a key moment. 

But overall, I think we were definitely good value for our point.” 

MEASURED

Even with the wholesale changes, City’s approach – measured, compact, purposeful – spoke of a team building quietly towards November 9 and the FAI Cup final against Shamrock Rovers.

“There's a little bit of that to it,” Nash admitted. “And look, we made a lot of changes in the game. Some new partnerships as well, when you look at some of the link-ups within the team.

“Matty Kiernan played left-side centre-half, which he hasn't done before and he did particularly well, I thought. So I was really pleased with him.

“Conor Brann was obviously back in goal, another change in the back-line unit. Conor Drinan played left-wing back and back in the team, consecutive games, which he hasn't done for a long time.” 

They might have stolen it late on, but Sligo could claim the same after Fitzpatrick’s late block preserved parity.

“We probably could have nicked it, but they'll probably say the same with Josh Fitzpatrick's block at the end. But overall, a gutsy display, a good point and lots to build on.

“And also, don't forget, Sligo Rovers, if they win tonight, they probably cement their status here. It was a raucous atmosphere. 

The fans were desperate to do that, their manager was desperate to do that. They threw the kitchen sink at us, and we've made a lot of changes. 

"So I'm really pleased with how people stood up.

“I'm really proud to be manager of this football club. It's a brilliant football club. There's a real unity in the group, and I felt that tonight. 

"I'm really pleased with how they fought for each other and fought for the club.”