NEWS:THE EXAMINER appointed to Cork City is hopeful a rescue package for the club could be finalised by the end of next week, it was confirmed yesterday.

In a statement issued on behalf of Kieran McCarthy it was revealed additional information was being sought from a short list of bidders and that the successful party should be identified within days.

The news will be welcomed by players and staff at City ahead of this evening's last derby game of the season against Cobh Ramblers, a club with mounting problems of their own.

Manager Stephen Henderson admits Ramblers are "broke" and while he insists his players will not engage in any form of protest at St Colman's Park, it is clear the squad are far from happy at the recent pay cuts they have suffered and the failure of the club to guarantee lump sums in lieu of the wages at the end of the season.

Attempts to raise funds for the club are continuing but Ramblers' inability to attract significantly larger crowds since winning promotion at the end of last season has left them struggling to cope with the widening gap between their spending and income.

Tonight's game should at least bring a healthy gate and Henderson will be hoping his side can persuade a few of the more occasional punters to return by turning in a winning performance.

Certainly, a repeat of the 5-0 defeat suffered at Turner's Cross would be a devastating blow (although only one of City's goalscorers from that night is still at the club), while another goalless draw, like the one between the two sides in their first meeting of the campaign, would do little to fend off the feeling that Ramblers are going straight back down.

The home side will be without the suspended Alan Carey, while Michael Devine misses out for City, also because of a ban, while Cillian Lordan is suspended.

Denis Behan, though, is available again after missing the midweek Setanta Cup game and Pat Sullivan is given an outside chance of recovering from an ankle injury.