SSE Airtricity League Premier Division: Finn Harps v Derry City (tonight, 8pm)
DERRY City have a number of injury concerns ahead of tonight’s north-west derby at Finn Harps.
Defenders Aaron Barry, Ryan McBride, Dean Jarvis and Conor McDermott are all on the treatment table and expected to have late fitness tests prior to this evening’s third and final league derby of the season.
Boss Kenny Shiels, who is working hard to try and sign a defender over the weekend, concedes they will travel to Ballybofey not at full strength.
“We are very understrength and let’s just wait and see,” said Shiels.
“Ryan McBride, Aaron Barry, Conor McDermott, Dean Jarvis and even the ones who have come into the squad have sustained injuries this week.
“I’m working hard on trying to get a centre-back, I need a centreback badly.
“I’m trying my best to get a player in from Europe, but you don’t do that in five days, you have to get all the paperwork done and get it off. It’s so scrutinised these days, it’s really difficult as football has changed so much, so it’s not over the line yet.”
Despite the injury concerns, Shiels still hopes his side can get a result against their near neighbours, especially for the fans.
“We have a big derby game and I would love to get a result for the supporters, we feel as if we have let them down in the two games prior to this,” he said.
“But it could go any way and we know that’s the case in derby games, but you are expecting maybe a wee change in the rub of the green for us. But if it doesn’t come, then we just have to play harder and work harder.”
Shiels believes that the Donegal men deserve credit for their season so far.
“Their manager (Ollie Horgan) has been brilliant, you can’t can deny that, he has done fantastically well for them this season. He’s in a very consolidated position in the league and he deserves so much credit.”
Elsewhere tonight in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division, the match of the evening is the basement battle at Ferrycarrig Park, where second from bottom Wexford Youths entertain bottom side Longford Town.
In-form Sligo Rovers, who had a massive win at Cork City on Monday night, take on Shamrock Rovers at the Showgrounds, while John Caulfield’s side to get their title charge back on track as they’ll be looking to bounce back from that Sligo defeat, when they entertain Bohemians.
St Patrick’s Athletic, who booked their place in the EA Sports Cup final after seeing off Shamrock Rovers in midweek, take on Galway United at Richmond Park.
In the First Division, UCD host Drogheda United and Shelbourne travel to Waterford United.
Tomorrow evening, leaders Limerick have home advantage over Cabinteely and Athlone Town take on Cobh Ramblers at St Colman’s Park
