Cork City are well on their way back to the top flight, sitting 15 points clear at the top of the First Division and unbeaten at home this season.

Now Tim Clancy’s side are looking forward to a chance against Derry City at Turner’s Cross in the most exciting game of the FAI Cup third round tonight.

“I think it’s a challenge, a huge challenge,” Clancy said of the duel against Ruaidhrí Higgins’ title contenders in the Premier Division.

“If you look at the quality of their entire squad, they are very dangerous in attack and have a solid defence. They are not where they are in the league by chance and they also have a brilliant coach.”

“It’s going to be a really tough game for us. But if you want to progress in the cup, and we want to, you have to beat teams at this level. It’s a huge task for our boys and we’re really looking forward to it.”

It will most likely be a different game to what Cork have been used to for much of this season.

“We’re playing against teams that have medium to deep blocks and it’s a challenge to break through them,” Clancy said.

“I would imagine Derry will have the lion’s share of possession and it will be up to us to try and exploit the spaces created by losing the ball.

“Then we have to be focused enough to make the right passes and use them when the opportunity arises.”

With new signings Sean Maguire and Ruairí Keating, Cork have the firepower to pose a threat to Derry, but Clancy believes his side will have to defend well if they are to cause an upset.

“To move forward, we have to do our very best and hope they have a bad day.”

Shelbourne host Galway United in the only all-Premier Division clash at Tolka Park, with Damien Duff’s leaders having won both league games between the sides in Drumcondra this season.

“When the draw was announced, people said it was the game of the round and Shelbourne were tipped to win,” said Galway head coach John Caulfield, who won the cup both as a player and as a coach.

“But in the cup it’s different. It’s about the night. Shelbourne are playing at home and their form in the league has been impressive. But we’ve played really well over the last four or five weeks and we need to bring that to the game tonight.”

Tonight’s games (7.45am unless otherwise stated)

FAI Cup (third round)

Ballyfermot United vs Wexford

Cork City vs Derry City

Drogheda United v Wilton United

Shelbourne v Galway United

Treaty United v Pike Rovers

Waterford vs Athlone Town