Club legend John Caulfield is getting ready to send his troops into battle this evening as they face KRC Genk in the Europa League third qualifying round first leg (KO 6pm).

The opening stanza of the tie sees the Leesiders travel to Eastern Belgium, looking for a result to keep the round open and take it back to Turner’s Cross, where the Rebel Army enjoyed a famous 1-0 victory over Gothenburg’s BK Hacken exactly a week ago.

City are undoubtedly the underdogs going into the tie at the 22,500 capacity Luminus Arena – that’s hosted the likes of Chelsea and Real Madrid in past European competition – but Caulfield’s Rebel Army are used to the title at this stage, and boss Caulfield know his side’s detail.

They have a number of players with international experience; physically they are a big, strong side. From our point of view, we have to perform as well as we did over the two games against Hacken and our concentration levels have to be high to give us any chance of bringing the game back to Cork.”

The Rebel Army have been sweating on the fitness of Greg Bolger in the buildup to both Hacken games, and despite Caulfield admitting the Wexford native needs a prolonged break, expect him to start in Belgium despite his pre-game 'doubtful' status. Young defender John Kavanagh was announced as being out for the season, joining club captain John Dunleavy, but Kenny Browne and Steven Beattie will be fit to play against the two-time Champions League group-stage participants.

The Belgian outfit however squeaked through on penalties against Budcnost Podgorica, having lost the return leg in Montenegro 2-0; central defender Bennard Kumordzi was sent off in that game, and is suspended ahead of tonight’s first leg.