Cork vs Celtic LIVE as pitch invasion cancels the trophy parade

The Scottish champions have made the short hop across the Irish Sea to compete in the inaugural Cork Super Cup

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Cork City v Celtic – Best of the friendly action

Celtic will step up their pre-season preparations tonight as they face Cork City for the first time in 16 years.

The Hoops last played the League of Ireland outfit in 2009 as Paddy McCourt fired Tony Mowbray’s second-string side to a narrow 1-0 victory.

Now, the duo will meet again in the first-ever men’s football match to be staged at the historic SuperValu Pairc Ui Chaoimh.

There’s some silverware up for grabs too, as the winners will be presented with the inaugural Cork Super Cup trophy.

A decent crowd is expected to turn out at the 45,000-capacity GAA stadium as Irish fans get a chance to see their heroes up close on home soil.

But just like Friday night’s 1-0 friendly victory over Queen’s Park at Lesser Hampden, Brendan Rodgers’ squad will largely be made up of B team players as the club’s international stars only reported back to Lennoxtown at the weekend.

However, Republic of Ireland hitman Adam Idah is expected to make a cameo as he returns to his hometown.

Celtic XI: Sinisalo; Donovan, Trusty, Murray, Inamura, McGregor, Engels, McCowan, Summers, Forrest, Kenny.
Subs: Doohan, Clarke, Rice, Osmand, Montgomery, Frame, McPherson, Robertosn, Ure, McArdle, Hatton, Turley, Welsh, Isiguzo.

Follow all of the action as it happens right here with Record Sport’s LIVE blog.

Key Events

• Full-time!19:52
• GOAL!19:46
• GOAL!19:28
• 11 Celtic changes19:07
• Restart19:05

20:08Ryan McDonald

Inamura defies Celtic expectations – 5 talking points

Cork is a city at fever pitch as they gear up for a first All-Ireland hurling final appearance in 20 years.

The All-Scotland kings were just happy to quietly step up their preparations for the defence of their crown.

The Rebel County will head to legendary GAA ground Croke Park in a fortnight to take on Tipperary.

But Celtic still have a long way to go before they are going to be fully up and running.

Here are our man Michael Gannon delivers the five biggest talking points from Cork.

20:02Ryan McDonald

Trophy presentation scrapped

Well, that escalated quickly!

The stadium announcer has just confirmed there will be NO trophy presentation due to a mass pitch invasion.

It’s not often you hear that during a pre-season tournament.

The sponsors must be absolutely raging, mind you.

19:54Ryan McDonald

Pitch invasion

Hundreds of young fans stream onto the pitch at full-time as Callum McGregor prepares to be presented with the trophy.

Absolute scenes…

It’s all good-natured and Brendan Rodgers’ squad are only too happy to pose for a selfie or two.

19:52KEY EVENT

Full-time!

Celtic are spared penalties as Colby Donovan’s last-minute winner seals the Cork Super Cup.

Luke McCowan opened the scoring in the first-half before Matthew Murray equalised after the restart.

Just as it looked like we’d be heading for a stalemate, Colby Donovan powered home a header at the back post to make it 2-1.

19:46KEY EVENT

GOAL!

Celtic snatch what could be the winning goal in the dying moments of the game.

Colby Donovan was in the right place at the right time as he bulleted a header from an inswinging corner into the back of the net.

Incredible, considering he was subbed at half-time only to reappear due to Stephen Welsh’s injury!

19:37Ryan McDonald

What happens if it ends as a draw?

If the teams can’t be separated come full-time, then the Cork Super Cup will be decided on penalties.

There’s just over 10 minutes left to play.

19:32Ryan McDonald

Celtic injury

It’s a recurring theme for Stephen Welsh as the defender hobbles off with a shoulder injury.

The 25-year-old looks distraught as he trudges off the park with his arm in a makeshift sling.

It’s a double sub as Colby Donovan reappears along with Samuel Isiguzo, as Welsh and Sean McArdle go off.

19:28KEY EVENT

GOAL!

It’s an equaliser for Cork City and another mix-up between Ross Doohan and Stephen Welsh.

The pair fail to deal with a threaded ball deep into the penalty area.

Welsh attempts to hold the striker off and Doohan is caught in no man’s land as Matthew Murray nips in and slams home.

19:25Ryan McDonald

Lots to Doo

Ross Doohan has looked unconvincing between the sticks, to say the least.

The summer signing replaced Viljami Sinisalo at half-time but looks uncomfortable dealing with crosses.

He’s already clattered into Stephen Welsh and flapped at another high ball, almost resulting in an equaliser for the hosts.

The Scotland cap is still getting to know his new teammates but there’s a clear lack of communication at the back.

19:22Ryan McDonald

Ad love to be playing

Adam Idah has travelled to his hometown despite not being included in the Celtic matchday squad.

The Hoops striker reported back to Lennoxtown for pre-season training on Friday but tonight’s friendly came too soon as he works his way back to fitness.

But the Cork-born star was only too happy to pose for pictures with fans at half-time.

19:16Ryan McDonald

Welsh takes a sore one

Stephen Welsh requires some medical treatment after an accidental collision with Ross Doohan.

The pair collide as Doohan attempts to clear a high ball, only to clatter Welsh in front of him.

The defender, wearing the captain’s armband, is all patched up and the game gets back underway.

19:11Ryan McDonald

Osmand’s first chance

Callum Osmand shows great movement as he takes down a high ball with his thigh but fires straight at the keeper.

The ex-Fulham hitkid certainly has pace to burn and doesn’t look short of confidence.

Could’ve got off the mark had he lobbed the goalie instead of hitting low and hard.

19:07KEY EVENT

11 Celtic changes

Celtic second-half XI: Doohan, Frame, Welsh, Robertson, McPherson, McArdle, Ure, Turley, Hatton, Montgomery, Osmand.

Remaining subs: Rice, Clark, Isiguzo.

19:05KEY EVENT

Restart

Bear with us as we count the number of Celtic changes at half-time.

What we do know is that Callum Osmand has been given his first runout up front.

18:57Ryan McDonald

It’s a scorcher in Cork

Rain showers may be sweeping across Glasgow right now but it’s a scorching night in Cork, with temperatures hitting 23°.

The champions have been forced to work up a sweat and it’s a taste of things to come as they prepare to jet off for a week-long training camp in Portugal.

18:49KEY EVENT

Half-time

Celtic take a 1-0 lead into the break and it’s been a decent contest so far.

Hayata Inamura will have given Brendan Rodgers food for thought with an impressive debut at left-back.

The Japanese defender has been dubbed a project signing but the 23-year-old can be pleased with his first outing in green and white.

Inamura oozed confidence and never misplaced a pass and he’ll get a pat on the back from his teammates at half-time.

It was Luke McCowan, though, who opened the scoring with a sizzling first-time effort from the edge of the penalty area.

Now, we can expect to see an entirely different XI for the second 45 as Rodgers prepares to ring the changes.

18:43Ryan McDonald

Water break

There’s a stoppage of play as Cathal O’Sullivan requires medical attention with a minor knock.

That allows Celtic stars to get some liquids into the system as they jog over to the bench for a water break.

Brendan Rodgers uses the opportunity to dish out some instructions from the touchline and the game resumes.

18:35Ryan McDonald

Luke at that

It may only be a friendly but that wondergoal will do Luke McCowan’s confidence no harm.

The midfielder is reaping the benefits of his first full pre-season at Parkhead after joining on deadline day last summer.

The boyhood Hoops fan racked up seven goals and nine assists in an impressive debut campaign in Glasgow.

And in an exclusive interview with Record Sport, former Dundee boss and mentor Tony Docherty is adamant he can get even better.

18:30KEY EVENT

GOAL!

Celtic take the lead and it’s a screamer from Luke McCowan.

The midfielder smashes a first-time effort into the top corner from the edge of the penalty box after a deft lay-off from Arne Engels.

18:28Ryan McDonald

New Bhoy catches the eye

Celtic legend Peter Grant has been impressed by Hayato Inamura’s showing so far.

The Japanese defender has caught the eye at left-back and Grant, on co-commentary duty for Celtic TV, believes the £250k summer signing has settled in well.

Hard to disagree.

18:19Ryan McDonald

Keeping a high line

Celtic goalie Viljami Sinisalo has yet to be tested with 15 minutes on the clock.

The lion’s share of possession has been in Cork City’s half as the Hoops probe for an opener.

18:15Ryan McDonald

Forrest goes close

James Forrest almost breaks the deadlock after a clever one-two with Ben Summers.

Celtic’s most decorated player attempted to dink it over the keeper as he raced into the penalty area, but dragged his effort just wide of the post.

18:11Ryan McDonald

Celtic dominating

Celtic have started brightly, but there have been one too many stray passes.

Still, Brendan Rodgers’ makeshift team have been on the front foot as they seek an early opener.

Youngster Ben Summers looks sharp on the right-hand wing, with veteran James Forrest on the opposite flank.

18:06Ryan McDonald

Decent start

A promising start from Hayato Inamura in the opening few minutes.

The Japanese defender starts at left back behind wide man Ben Summers.

Inamura looks composed on the ball and has played some neat and tidy first-time passes.

18:03Ryan McDonald

Kick-off!

The Irish national anthem and You’ll Never Walk Alone have been blared on the PA system – and we’re underway in Ireland!

Celtic are in their traditional green and white hoops, while Cork are wearing all black.

17:58Ryan McDonald

Brendan’s all In

Brendan Rodgers admits he’ll use tonight’s clash with Cork City to see what Hayato Inamura’s made of.

The Celtic boss will field two XIs across the 90 minutes and Japanese defender Inamura has been thrown in for his first start.

He’s midway through his season so he’s okay to continue playing. It’s a nice chance for me to see him and see where he’s at. At this stage in pre-season, we’re only a week or so in. We’ll have two 45 minute teams tonight, like we had on Friday. The number one objective at this period is developing your football fitness. Guys have started pre-season really well but a lot of hard work to do. It’s a nice evening to come here and just continue with that.

17:51Ryan McDonald

10 minute warning

Not long now until kick-off in Cork.

The sun is shining and there’s a decent crowd at the SuperValu Pairc Ui Chaoimh.

It’s far from a full-strength team but Brendan Rodgers will get the chance to cast an eye over some fringe and young players.

17:48Graeme Young

Inamura to rise to the challenge?

Hayata Inamura may well be a fleeting Celtic star, for now, but he gets a shot tonight to show his stuff.

The 23-year-old is only out of Uni a year but this is no gap year and he is set to earn a move on loan in the near future.

But, for now, let’s see what Inamura is all about.

17:19Ryan McDonald

Eyes on the prize

The work is done and the stage is set at the historic SuperValu Pairc Ui Chaoimh.

Here’s the prize that’s up for grabs tonight – the Cork Super Cup.

Pre-season friendly or not, Celtic will want that piece of silverware in their trophy cabinet.

Start as you mean to go on.

17:11Ryan McDonald

Rodgers: Celtic mean business this summer

As Nicolas Kuhn finalises his £17.2m switch to Como, Brendan Rodgers knows there’s plenty of work to be done in the transfer window.

Celts have registered an interest in Rapid Vienna wide man Isak Jansson, while talks are ongoing with Royal Antwerp over attacker Michel-Ange Balikwisha.

When you’re a club the size of Celtic, you get linked to so many players and there’s so much gossip and speculation. But we’ve signed some really good players. We’ve signed some potential. And we also know we need to sign some players that can affect the team, because we lost some really important players. Kyogo (Furuhashi) in January and Nicolas Kuhn possibly leaving. So we know what we need to improve. And I’m pretty sure we will do over the summer.

17:02Ryan McDonald

Celtic take closer look at Cork City starlet

Brendan Rodgers will cast an eye over highly-rated youngster Cathal O’Sullivan tonight.

The Cork City striker, 18, has been monitored by Hoops scouts over the last 12 months.

Premier League side Nottingham Forest have also been keeping close tabs on the Republic of Ireland Under-21 international.

But the Irish teen sensation – who has already clocked up 50 senior outings – has made it clear his dream is to play for Celtic.

16:56KEY EVENT

Cork City team confirmed

Cork XI: Odumosu; Nevin, Kelleher, Lyons, Dijksteel, McLaughlin, Nolan, O’Sullivan, Crowley, Feely, Lutz.

Subs: Brann, Moloney, Bolger, Nelson, Mbeng, Kiernan, Fitzpatrick, Anderson, Murray, Lee.

16:54Ryan McDonald

Inamura makes debut

Hayato Inamura has been handed a shock start by Brendan Rodgers – days after the Celtic boss admitted the Japanese defender won’t be part of his first-team.

Inamura, 23, joined the Hoops from J1 League side Albirex Niigata last week as he put pen to paper on a four-year deal.

But Rodgers made it clear that the £250,000 signing was one for the future and wouldn’t figure in his immediate plans.

Still, the new Bhoy will look to change his new manager’s mind as he prepares to pull on the green and white jersey for the first time tonight.

Versatile Inamura – who can also play as a central defender – will start at left-back.

16:48KEY EVENT

BREAKING! Celtic team confirmed

Celtic XI: Sinisalo; Donovan, Trusty, Murray, Inamura, McGregor, Engels, McCowan, Summers, Forrest, Kenny.

Subs: Doohan, Clarke, Rice, Osmand, Montgomery, Frame, McPherson, Robertosn, Ure, McArdle, Hatton, Turley, Welsh, Isiguzo.

16:46Ryan McDonald

Dermot visits his hometown

Celtic supremo Dermot Desmond will make a rare appearance tonight.

The Cork-born billionaire will be in the stands and could hold talks with Brendan Rodgers over a new deal.

Rodgers has a year remaining on his contract, and principal shareholder Desmond hopes to agree on an extension.

But the relaxed Hoops boss insists there’s no rush to reach an agreement.

He said “I know Dermot’s coming to the game. He’s so happy to be back here in Cork. I think his father was born here, and his grandfather, so he’s got a real history of being here.

“But I think our focus at the moment purely is just getting us ready for the season. We’re all doing that, and there’s plenty of time for that.”

16:38Ryan McDonald

Too soon for KT

Celtic fans hoping to catch a glimpse of Kieran Tierney will have to wait a while longer.

The returning hero reported back for pre-season training at Lennoxtown on Friday.

But after starring for Scotland last month, his long-awaited second debut has been delayed.

Brendan Rodgers confirmed: “Kieran won’t be involved. He’ll be at the game, he’s over, but the international players only started training on Friday.

“We would normally give them a week to train before them playing a game, but those guys will be there.”

16:28Ryan McDonald

Top youth talents

With most of Celtic’s established players watching on from the stands, here are some emerging B-team stars to look out for.

Dane Murray – Rodgers has earmarked a role for the central defender in the first team, as long as he stays fit. Recently underwent knee surgery but is fit and raring to go this season.

Mitchell Frame – Greg Taylor’s departure opens up an opportunity for talented Mitchell to stake a claim as Kieran Tierney’s deputy. Made his Champions League debut in 2023 against Feyenoord and played a part in Gustaf Lagerbielke’s winner.

Colby Donovan – Rodgers heaped praise on the young right-back after his display against Queen’s Park. The manager said: “I think he’s a Celtic player. He’s tough. He’s aggressive. He’s grown. I liked him last year in pre-season.”

Jude Bonnar – Bonnar made his senior bow last season and will look to kick on in 2025/26. The playmaker has been a regular for the B side.

Kyle Ure – Midfielder Ure was a standout for the B team last term in the Lowland League. The 19-year-old was voted Academy Player of the Year and is a similar ilk to Callum McGregor.

Sean McArdle – Teen sensation McArdle, 17, showed no fear as he made a couple of cameos towards the end of last season. The midfielder has huge potential and seems to have the personality to play for a club the size of Celtic.

Francis Turley – The Northern Irish kid caught Rodgers’ eye this time last year and earned a bumper new deal. Made his top team debut last August away to St Mirren and will look to kick on this term.

Conor Daly – Described as “a really gifted player” by Rodgers, the 16-year-old has a huge future in the game and could earn more minutes tonight.

16:13Ryan McDonald

Putting on a show

Callum McGregor admits Celtic want to put on a show for their Irish fanbase.

The Hoops skipper will lead out a makeshift team against Cork City tonight, with the club’s international stars still getting up to speed following extended breaks.

McGregor will line up alongside Luke McCowan, Arne Engels and Auston Trusty, with the rest of the squad likely to be made up of youth prospects.

It feels so nice to come over and see the fans, let everybody see you in the flesh and hopefully give the best version of ourselves while we prepare for another long season. We’re all looking forward to it. It’s a special stadium and we want to go there and put on a show, just show the best of ourselves and hopefully have that connection with the supporters as well. When we get to come over [to Ireland] and see everyone in person, then it’s always a special occasion.

13:56Ryan McDonald

Kenny’s future remains unsolved

Brendan Rodgers wants Celtic striker Johnny Kenny to sign a new contract before a decision is made on his short-term future.

The Parkhead boss yesterday spoke with the 22-year-old about his plans, with Kenny’s deal running until next summer.

Kenny netted the only goal against his former club Queen’s Park on Friday and will hope to build on that form against Cork City at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh this evening in their second pre-season friendly.

Rodgers has not yet decided whether Kenny will remain with the squad this season or go on loan.

He said: “I’ve been really pleased for Johnny since I’ve seen him close up in January.

“I think he’s improved, he’s developed, and I spoke to Johnny funnily enough this morning about his plan.

“We would really like him to sign another deal at Celtic and then we’ll decide what’s going to be the best for his development, whether it’s to stay or whether we think he needs another step, to go out.

“But he’s got a lot of strength and a lot of qualities, and he’s done very well since he came back in January.”

13:53Ryan McDonald

Pre-season fixture schedule

• July 4 – Queen’s Park 0-1 Celtic
• July 8 (KO: 6pm) – Cork City v Celtic
• July 12 (KO: 11am) – Celtic v Estrela Da Amadora
• July 16 (KO: 7:30pm) – Sporting CP v Celtic
• July 19 (KO: 3pm) – Celtic v Newcastle United
• July 24 (KO: 7:30pm) – Celtic v Ajax
• July 26/27 (KO TBC) – Como or Al Ahli v Celtic

13:49Ryan McDonald

The only Celtic transfer strategy that will keep Rodgers – Keith Jackson

Celtic have four summer signings in the door so far but have yet to seriously splash the cash.

And our man Keith Jackson reckons there are two transfer strategies at play – and only one of them will keep Brendan Rodgers at Parkhead beyond next season.

13:41Ryan McDonald

Good afternoon!

Hello and welcome to Record Sport’s LIVE Celtic match blog.

It’s the second of seven friendlies across Scotland, Ireland, Portugal and Italy as the Hoops warm up for another blockbuster campaign.

Celts could also add a new piece of silverware to the cabinet as tonight’s winners get their hands on the Cork Super Cup.

We’ll have every kick from the game