Two of the new faces out for Harps

A battle of the promoted clubs takes place at Finn Park tonight as Cobh Ramblers take on Finn Harps, kick-off 8.00pm.

Harps boss Paul Hegarty will have to plan without two of the new faces for the opening day fixture.

Marc Mukendi could be out for the best part of a month with a groin strain, while Gary Beckett picked up a knee injury in training and will also miss out.

Jonathan Minnock, who was a revelation in the centre of defence last season, looks like he too will have to sit out the game with a recurring Achilles problem.

"It is important that we get off to a good start to avoid being in a battle to avoid the drop and I think we have a squad of players available that is more than capable of helping us finish up the table," said Hegarty.

"We're going to go out and try and win the match against Cobh. That was the approach we took last season and it served us well."

"We have signed good experienced men like Gary Beckett, Stuart Malcolm and Aaron Labonte, and along with Marc Mukendi, Gerry Gill and Shaun Williams, I think we will be more than okay."

Cobh boss Stephen Henderson will bring a strong squad to Ballybofey and will be hoping to get the better of Harps despite losing their last game in the Donegal venue.