Cork City boss John Caulfield believes the signing of Ronan Coughlan can give a new edge to his attack after the striker completed a move to Turner’s Cross last night.
Coughlan was released last week by financially crippled Bray Wanderers, and has now signed with the League of Ireland champions until the end of the 2019 season. The former Huddersfield striker is set to make his debut in City’s friendly against English Premier League side Burnley tomorrow night.
Ronan is a different type of player to Graham Cummins and Josh O’Hanlon, he can play in a number of positions, he can play up top, and he can play in the hole,” said Caulfield.
“Ronan is very skilful and a really good finisher. We are hoping he will give the other lads a bit of competition up front and have an impact on the last three months of the season.”
The 22-year-old Limerick man has already scored four league goals this season.
“I’m delighted to be here and can’t wait to get started on Friday versus Burnley,” said Coughlan. “I’ve trained the last few days and now I’m really looking forward to it.”
Meanwhile, Legia Warsaw boss Dean Klafuric admits his players struggled to hear him in their Champions League clash with City because of the “crazy atmosphere” at Turner’s Cross on Tuesday.
Legia bring a 1-0 lead back to Warsaw for the second leg next week, after Michal Kucharczyk’s spectacular effort broke the League of Ireland champions’ resistance.
The Croatian-born coach was pleased his side were able to turn around their performance at half-time against John Caulfield’s men, but was quick to compliment a vociferous Leeside crowd.
I want to thank our fans who came from England, and also our fans who live here in Cork and other cities in Ireland, and I also want to give a big compliment to the home supporters, for a crazy atmosphere,” said Klafuric.
“It was a really basic atmosphere, like League One or Two in England. Especially in the first half, I could not tell my players my ideas because of the crazy atmosphere.
“Cork played very aggressively, and with a lot of patience, which made it very tough for us. But our players forced their game, especially under pressure, which I’m very satisfied with.”