Cork City manager Tim Clancy announced this morning that breakout talent, Benny Couto, is set to miss several weeks due to an ankle injury sustained during the Rebels’ clash with Sligo Rovers.
Couto joins a long list of injured players at Turner’s Cross ahead of City’s clash against Shamrock Rovers, including Seani Maguire, Ruairi Keating and Conor Drinan.
Tim Clancy Confirms Cork City ‘Gem’ Injury.
Speaking to the media ahead of his side’s clash with Shamrock Rovers on Friday, Tim Clancy broke the news of the Portugese players injury.
“Benny’s probably going to miss a couple of months now.” The Rebels boss revealed, after the fullback suffered an injury against Sligo that left him in a protective boot.
“He was just unlucky, blocked the cross, and his ankle got caught, he’s done ligaments in his ankle, and we certainly won’t see him until the summer break.”
Despite the setback, the Cork City manager went on to discuss how Couto’s injury is asignificantt opportunity fo18-year-oldld Matthew Kiernan to come into the side.
“Benny’s been really good, but this is an opportunity for Matty Kiernan,” Clancy explained.
“He was superb in the second half of last season. He’s a young lad who’s doing his Leaving Cert. It’s an important stage for him and this will give him a consistent run of games which I’m looking forward to. He’s been excellent when he’s come on during recent games.”
Kieran, who primarily plays as a Center Back, first established himself in the City first team during a stint in the First Division, where he made 8 appearances for the Rebels.
City Boss Discusses Striker Options
With both Sean Maguire, and Ruari Keating set to miss a number of weeks, Cork City are currently short on options when it comes to center forwards, despite recently announcing the signing of Djenario Daniels.
“He needs to get sharper, I think his work ethic is very good, he puts a lot of miles in the leg during the game, he’ll get sharper.” Clancy explained during his press confrence, after Daniels played his first full 90 against Sligo.
“He’s giving us a focal point, he’s getting people to concentrate on him and be physical with him, rather than some of our players who seem to be getting physical treatment everytime they go near the ball.”
“He gives us that physical presence on the top end of the pitch.” The Rebels’ boss concluded.
The Center Forward, who was recently signed as a Free Agent, is yet to net his first goal in the Premier Division, but has managed to record an assist at the Showgrounds against Rovers.
Daniels is expected to feature, as City take on Shamrock Rovers at Turner’s Cross on Friday Night, as they look to put further distance between themselves and the relegation zone.