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Richardson upbeat ahead of UEFA tie

Cork manager Damien Richardson
Cork manager Damien Richardson

Cork manager Damien Richardson hopes his side can add to the feelgood factor in the domestic game by ensuring the eircom League is represented in the first round proper of the UEFA Cup.

City are expecting a full house at Turners Cross for the visit of Djurgarden for the second leg, with the tie poised at 1-1 after the first leg in Stockholm.

Richardson believes Irish teams have no reason to be fearful in Europe any more.

"I will say to the players that whatever happens, let's impose our own personality on proceedings," Richardson told PA Sport.

"The days of League of Ireland clubs feeling inferior, flooding the midfield and playing defensively are gone.

"If we do that we are never going to get anywhere, we are just putting our fingers over the holes.

"Whatever the game throws up I believe we have enough capability within the squad to handle any situation. If we get through it takes us to a new level, if we don't at least we did things our way and we know what we have to do next year."

Richardson believes the switch to summer football and the decision of six top-flight clubs to go full-time - including Cork - has increased the quality of the Irish league and the level of attention it receives.

George O'Callaghan is available for selection after being suspended for the first leg, so Richardson has a full-strength squad to face the Swedes.

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