Cork City striker Keating ruled out for entire season

Cork City have confirmed Ruairi Keating has ruptured his Achilles tendon, ruling their striker out for the remainder of the season.

Keating, along with Sean Maguire, was a marquee signing for the Rebels last summer as they returned to the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division.

Ahead of a short stint at St Patrick's Athletic he was a key player in Cork's 2023 season when his 13 goals failed to keep them in the top flight after a play-off loss to Waterford.

The 28-year-old had scored three times in eight matches so far this campaign.

However he suffered an injury in the closing moments of last Friday's loss to Derry City in the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.

Tim Clancy had indicated after the game it was something that was likely to rule out Keating in the long-term.

Ruairi Keating had three goals to his name in the first eight matches

He confirmed today that surgery is now on the cards with the 2026 season the most realistic return period.

Speaking at a press conference today, Clancy said: "'Keats' has ruptured his Achilles. It is a really bad one for us. He was looking sharp, he was doing extra work. It's still obviously fresh. It's only from last Friday and the scan results came back yesterday.

"So look, it's not easy. Before the scan results come in, you're probably hoping rather than actually expecting good news.

"So next thing now is try and get 'Keats' the surgery as soon as we can, which I think is a pretty quick turnaround from the diagnosis yesterday to the operating table.

"I think it's going to be fairly quick and the quicker he can get that, the quicker he can get back into doing little bits and pieces on the road to recovery."

Clancy sympathised with his striker and admitted the focus has to be on a complete recuperation, knowing rehabilitation will extend into next year.

The City boss explained: "It's not easy, but it's the horrible part of football that most players experience.

"You're not going to get back after ruptured Achilles in less than six to nine months.

"Your foot or your ankle is probably the worst part of the body to injure because the healing process takes that a little bit longer.

"It's a serious injury so it's important that we get the right treatments for 'Keats and start that slow recovery back."

City are hopeful former Republic of Ireland international Maguire will return in the coming weeks.

Young forward Harvey Skieters (20) and David Dunne (16) are likely to deputise in the coming weeks.

Dunne made his debut in the game with Derry last weeek and has been linked with a move to Monaco in the next transfer window.

Cork are also likely to bring in reinforcements in July to strengthen their attacking options as they look to maintain a place in the Premier Division.

They face St Patrick's Athletic in Turner's Cross on Friday night.

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