Devine hoping to have Patterson available

Derry City boss Declan Devine will have his fingers firmly crossed that top hitman, Rory Patterson, will pass a pre-match test for tonight’s Europa League home fixture against Trabzonspor (kick-off 7.45pm).

Patterson has been troubled with hamstring problems emanating from a nerve in his back, but the player has managed to train yesterday.

“Rory didn’t play in the first-leg last Thursday so we’ve always held the hope he would be okay for the second leg,” Devine said. “He’s had treatment and he’s been involved in a light training session, so he will have a test before the game to assess his fitness. If he’s not fully fit, he won’t be involved, but I’ll be guided by our medical staff.”