Caulfield believes City fans will give Cork a lift for top of the table clash against Dundalk

Manager: John Caulfield.

CORK City supporters will be the 12th man for Friday night’s top-of-the-table league clash with champions Dundalk, according to manager John Caulfield.

Second-placed Cork City, who have a 100% home record this season, welcome league leaders Dundalk to Turner’s Cross on Friday night, in one of the most anticipated games of the season so far.

‘It’s a great game to look forward to, we are going to have a full house and it will be a fantastic atmosphere,’ Caulfield said.

‘I’m sure the crowd will be in early and create that atmosphere; there’s no doubt that it gives the players a lift. I’m hoping that, right from the start, we can give them a performance that will keep them roaring from the rafters.

‘Most people think Dundalk will win the league this year, but it is up to us to see where we are at. I think we are better than we were last year and we have started the season well, so we are all looking forward to it.

‘Last year was last year; we were fantastic and the lads did brilliantly. This year we have a new team and a different style of play, and I think you can see that we have been a lot better, both defensively and attacking-wise, we have scored a lot more goals.

‘Overall, our passing and our general play has been much better, and our home form has been excellent.’

On the injury front, Alan Bennett has recovered from the hamstring injury that was troubling him earlier in the week, but Caulfield has concerns over the availability of Karl Sheppard, John O’Flynn and John Dunleavy. The City boss says all three are doubts ahead of the game and are likely to undergo late fitness tests.