St Pat's hoping to regain top spot

St Patrick's Athletic will be looking to regain top spot in the eircom League of Ireland Premier Division as they entertain Derry City at Richmond Park tonight, kick-off 7.45pm.

Saints manager Johnny McDonnell will have to prepare without Alan Kirby and John Frost who are both suspended for tonight's game.

Joseph Ndo and Stephen Quigley will also miss out for St Pat's through injury.

Pat McCourt, Karl Bermingham and Alan Moore are out injured for the Candystripes, while Greg O'Halloran is suspended.

Caretaker boss Peter Hutton may have to start himself as he has left transfer-listed defenders Darren Kelly and Matt Rogers out of the squad.

"We are down to the bare bones and it is going to take a massive effort from everyone as Richmond Park is a notoriously difficult venue," said Hutton.

"I sense that the confidence level is low among some players and we need to know what is happening on and off the field.

"I feel some players have let their standards slip and lost their focus in training but we have addressed that.

"The managerial situation is not helping but most of the players are coping not too bad.

"The performance against Drogheda was not acceptable and hopefully we will see more of the old Derry against St Pat's.

"They beat us 1-0 at the Brandywell earlier this season so we know it is going to be a very difficult game," he added.