Airtricity League Premier Division:
Bray Wanderers v Derry City (Saturday, 5.45pm)
DERRY CITY manager Peter Hutton knows Saturday’s game away to fellow strugglers Bray Wanderers could have a huge bearing on the rest of the season.
The Candystripes are just two points above the relegation play-off place, currently occupied by Sligo Rovers, and are two points behind Saturday evening’s opponents. However, a positive for Hutton is the fact that Wanderers, who appointed Mick Cooke as their new boss on Tuesday, haven’t defeated City in their last 14 games, although they won’t be taking anything for granted.
“It’s a big game for both clubs,” said Hutton.
“We are in a precarious position as ourselves, Bray, Sligo, Limerick and one or two other clubs – the likes of Galway, who are just ahead of us – are all at the wrong end of the table. They are all big games over the next couple of weeks, so it’s imperative we start picking up points.”
City, who will be without new signing Mark Quigley, haven’t won any of their last nine league nine outings, but Hutton insists morale is still very good.
“Training has been very good, the boys are nice and bright and have worked hard, so it has been very positive,” he said.
“Mark [Quigley] has integrated very well with the boys, he trained very well on Thursday and Friday, but the Bray game is probably a game or two too soon for him in terms of his overall match fitness.”
The Brandywell men have one or two injury concerns, but skipper Ryan McBride is likely to return.
“Aaron Barry is suspended, but Ryan is back from suspension,” said Hutton.
“Shane McEleney hasn’t trained much this week with a heel problem and Dean Jarvis picked up a wee knock on his knee, but he trained on Thursday, so should be okay.”
With the transfer window now open, Hutton is hoping to strengthen his squad further this month.
“At the moment, we are actively looking to bring in maybe one or two more,” he said.
“We have one or two irons in the fire.”
Elsewhere on Saturday in the top flight, bottom side Limerick host Galway United and Sligo Rovers entertain Longford Town, while First Division leaders Wexford Youths visit Cobh Ramblers.
