THE FAI confirmed yesterday that they have made a bid to purchase the Bishopstown ground which Cork City were forced to abandon when the club got into serious financial difficulty at the end of the 1995/96 season.

The association have offered the liquidators appointed to dispose of the ground on behalf of its current owners £250,000 with a view to developing it as a regional centre of coaching. The possibility of City returning to play there has been specifically ruled out.

"We might attempt to do a deal with a local junior or intermediate club," said FAI General Secretary Bernard O'Byrne yesterday, "but the main purpose of the purchase would be to develop the site in the medium-to-long term for coaching purposes.

"We've offered what we consider to be a reasonable amount of money for the ground and we would hope that the people making the decision on its sale will take into account the amount of money already spent by the association on its development."

Bord na gCon have also expressed interest in the site as a potential venue for greyhound racing although it is not yet known whether they have made a formal bid to purchase it. There has been, however, at least one other substantial offer made to the liquidators.

Meanwhile, Brian Kerr has set up three friendly matches for his Irish under-19 side this week as part of their preparations for the World finals in Malaysia next month.

The team will take on a Cork selection at Turner's Cross this evening and a Limerick selection at the NCTC on Thursday (both 7.0) before travelling to Drogheda to take on the United Arab Emirates, who are drawn in England's group in Malaysia, on Saturday (3.0).