‘Massive loss’: Key pair absent as Finn Harps host Cork in Cup quarter-final

Finn Harps manager Kevin McHugh says the absence of defensive duo Conor Tourish and Max Hutchison represents a “massive loss” for his side ahead of Friday’s FAI Cup quarter-final against Cork City (Finn Park, 7.45pm).

Tourish and Hutchison are both suspended having been booked in the previous round wins over UCD and Bray Wanderers.

Harps also have doubts over Tony McNamee and Idir Zerrouk as they welcome top flight Cork to Ballybofey. 

McNamee played through a stomach bug in Friday’s 1-1 draw at Longford Town, but had to be withdrawn in the closing stages, while Zerrouk has been battling a knock in recent weeks. 

A sickness also prevented Tourish from making the trip to Bishopsgate with several others feeling the effects during the game.

“These are key players, who have been really consistent over the last couple of months,” McHugh said. 

“It’s not ideal. On the suspensions, you could maybe handle one, but the fact that there are two is a huge blow. They have such a physical presence and they’re such an experienced pair. 

“It’s gutting for the two of them personally too to be missing such a big game and it obviously leaves us light on numbers and with inexperience on the bench - but that’s what you get with a young squad.

“I have to say Conor and Max have handled themselves really well. They’ve known that they wouldn’t be involved this weekend and they haven’t let their performances dip in any shape or fashion.

“It isn’t just defensively, but they’re a threat for attacking set pieces and it’s just something that we have to deal with now.”

Josh Cullen, who seems tailor made as a replacement for one of Tourish or Hutchison, is just back from a trip to Hungary with the Republic of Ireland U17s.

Cullen was joined on that trip by Harps team-mates Corey Sheridan and Gavin McAteer and McHugh will assess all three ahead of the visit of Premier Division Cork to Ballybofey.

The Harps boss said: “It’s natural that they would come back and not be 100 per cent. It’s not ideal, but at the same time this is where we want to be as a club in terms of getting international recognition and sometimes you can be a victim of your own success.”

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Cork might be rooted to the foot of the Premier Division table, but the Rebels have lost just twice in their last seven outings in all competitions.

Ger Nash replaced Tim Clancy as manager in May and McHugh expects a formidable challenge.

He said: “We will get a game plan together for it and Cork are a top side. Ger is doing a brilliant job there and we can expect to be without the ball for long periods.

“Cork are where they are in the table, but I have watched their last few games and they play a really attractive brand of football and have a lot of high end, quality players; ex internationals and youth internationals. We know what we’re expecting here.”