Celtic Starting XI Confirmed for Historic Cork Super Cup Clash Against Cork City
Brendan Rodgers has named his starting line-up as Celtic prepare to face Cork City in the inaugural Cork Super Cup at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh this Tuesday evening (6pm).
The match is historic on multiple fronts not only is it Celtic’s second pre-season friendly ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, but it also marks the first competitive men’s soccer fixture ever played at the iconic GAA venue in Cork.
Celtic Starting XI vs Cork City
- Goalkeeper: Sinisalo
- Defenders: Trusty, McCowan, Kenny, Inamura
- Midfielders: Engels, Summers, McGregor (C)
- Forwards: Murray, Forrest, Donovan
Substitutes:
Doohan (GK), Clarke (GK), Rice (GK), Osmand, Montgomery, Frame, McPherson, Robertson, Ure, McArdle, Hatton, Turley, Welsh, Isiguzo
Key Notes Ahead of Kick-Off
- Callum McGregor captains the side in a midfield anchored by summer signing Odin Thiago Holm’s absence, with academy talents Summers and Engels lining up beside him.
- Hayato Inamura earns another start after impressing in the win over Queen’s Park, potentially pushing for a more permanent role in Brendan Rodgers’ plans.
- 17-year-old Matthew Murray gets a huge opportunity to start up front in his hometown amid ongoing links to Premier League side Brighton.
- James Forrest, the club’s longest-serving player, adds experience to a young attacking trio that also includes Ben Donovan.
Match Details
- Fixture: Cork City vs Celtic
- Competition: Cork Super Cup
- Date: Tuesday, July 9, 2025
- Venue: SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Cork
- Kick-off: 6:00 PM (local time)
- Broadcast: Live on Celtic TV
A Historic Night for Irish Football
Tuesday’s game is set to attract thousands of fans from both sides of the Irish Sea and offers a unique pre-season spectacle. Celtic are using the occasion to assess several young players and new signings, while Cork City midway through their League of Ireland campaign will be aiming to test themselves against elite opposition.
The spotlight will shine brightly on Adam Idah, Matthew Murray, and Hayato Inamura, as Celtic look to build momentum ahead of the 2025/26 season.
