Hutton to return to playing role tonight

Peter Hutton must see if his magic from the sidelines is just as effective on the pitch as he returns to the first team for rejuvenated Derry City’s game with eircom League leaders Shelbourne at the Brandywell tonight (7.45pm).

Since taking over as caretaker boss at the end of May - following the resignation of Gavin Dykes - Hutton has kept himself out of the starting line-up, preferring to direct operations from the technical area.

The policy has certainly worked as City have kept three clean sheets and pulled out of the bottom two, thanks to back-to-back wins over St Patrick’s Athletic and Waterford United.

With Sean Hargan a fitness doubt due to illness and Clive Delaney serving a one-match ban, Hutton’s playing services will be required in the Candystripes’ defence against his former club.

Hutton is still not committing himself to a starting role. "Clive has been banned for one match and I expect to be in contention for a return but I haven't decided anything at this stage," said Hutton.

Hutton also has to plan without hip injury victim Gary Beckett and goalkeeper Patrick Jennings faces a fitness test on a hamstring strain.

Runaway league leaders Shelbourne must travel north without Wes Hoolahan and Gerard Rowe, both serving one-match suspensions but midfielder Stuart Byrne returns having served a similar punishment.