Doyle set for debut

Cork City boss Pat Dolan will be without suspended striker George O'Callaghan for this afternoon's visit of his former club, St Patrick's Athletic, to Turner's Cross

Keith Doyle is expected to make his debut for the home side in the game, which will be broadcast live by TV3 (kick-off 5.00), while Noel Mooney is in line to retain the goalkeeper's jersey after a run of pre-season form.

Eamon Collins's squad should be close to full strength for the game with former under-age international strikers Liam George and David Freeman amongst those in contention to make their competitive debuts for the Dublin club, but Davy Byrne (hamstring) faces a late test while Tony Bird is suspended.

Mick McCarthy's reign as Sunderland boss took a further setback yesterday with news that centre half Phil Babb is out for the rest of the season.

The former Irish international has undergone surgery on a groin injury. Also sidelined at the Stadium of Light is young Irish full-back Mark Rossiter who will be out for six months with a ruptured cruciate ligament.