CAULFIELD WON’T RIP HIS SIDE UP
JOHN CAULFIELD insists he won’t rip up his team for anyone even returning hero Damien Delaney.
A former Ireland international and Premier League stalwart with Crystal Palace, Delaney could find himself on the sidelines against Legia.
The veteran centre-half signed for the Leesiders a month ago but Caulfield may keep faith with 21-year-old Sean Mcloughlin, who signed a contract extension on Sunday, alongside another ex-ireland defender Alan Bennett.
Legia are poised to unveil their potent new strikeforce of Jose
Kante and Carlos Lopes in Cork so Caulfield has to get his decision right.
“It’s funny but we’ve guys who have played in Europe more than he has,” said the City boss of Delaney, who turns 37 later this month.
“Damien wants to play but you look at the week before and Bennett and Mclaughlin did really well.
“You just can’t sign someone and change the team around. We’re halfway through the league and up near the top.”
Even for a player of Delaney’s calibre who has nine Ireland caps and almost 550 appearances in English league football under his belt?
“For anyone,” replied Caulfield. “Unless it’s someone coming in who’s a goal-a-game merchant or something.
“Damien is phenomenal, he’ll play a big role. It’s different if you’re struggling but we’re up near the top and you have to integrate him.”