Despite the frustration at having to share points with Shelbourne etched deep in his face, Cork City manager Damien Richardson still insists his players have what it takes to retain their league title.

Sitting off-the-pace in fourth, a full eight points behind Shelbourne and Derry, it will indeed be some ask but with a full series of games remaining it is certainly not beyond the Leesiders who no longer have European or cup action to distract them.

"It's unusual for a team to score two goals against us and in that respect I was disappointed," said Richardson of Friday's 2-2 draw in Dublin where his team twice took the lead only to be thwarted by Glen Crowe's late equaliser.

"We know we can go anywhere and play well against any team but this is Shelbourne at their very best, enjoying their best run in years.

"I'm disappointed we didn't win and it keeps a firm perspective on the situation. But there's still a long way to go in this league and lots can still happen. But we showed on Friday we still have the quality to go all the way."

Although somewhat distracted from the league by their recent European adventure, Cork's underlying problem this season actually lies much closer to home.

With top striker John O'Flynn sidelined with a long-term abductor muscle injury they simply don't score enough goals.

"The news of John's scan was good in the sense that it showed no abnormality," Richardson explains, "but we still don't know what's causing the problems.

"I'm going to speak to a few experts here, and perhaps in England, who have experience of this matter. But at the moment I have no sense of even contemplating playing him, hopefully however we can get him back quickly."

Jason Byrne, meanwhile, could be rested this weekend. Shelbourne manager Pat Fenlon withdrew his leading striker at half-time during Friday's game owing to a stomach muscle strain.

"Jason hits the ball so hard its always likely to be a problem area," Fenlon says. "But he's had a scan and while it's slightly inflamed I think he just needs a rest."

Gary O'Neill replaced Byrne in that game and having overcome a recent knee injury is ready and willing to fill the Republic of Ireland international's boots