Derry face Drogheda with five players out

Drogheda United will be looking for a home victory against Derry City at United Park tonight as Alan Mathews' side continue their fight for survival, kick-off 7.45pm.

Eoghan Osborne (ligament) is the only injury certainty for Drogheda, while Paul Crowley will undergo a fitness test before the game.

Boss Mathews will also be without several players through suspension with James Chambers, William Woods, Eric McGill and Paul Shiels all unavailable.

Mathews said: “They are all tough games at this stage and Derry are a good side.

"It is up to us to concentrate on our own performance and not to worry about anyone else. They have a lot of good players and we know that."

Clive Delaney and Steven Gray are ruled out of City's squad through suspension, while Kevin Deery (ankle), James McClean (thigh) and Sammy Morrow (ankle) are all out injured.

Candystripes boss Stephen Kenny said: "To be fair to the players, they have been excellent in the last few weeks and have shown a really good attitude.

"I think that it will be a tough game at United Park, our last two encounters have been contrasting affairs. We won three nil down there earlier this year, and that score line may have flattered us, whereas we were beaten one nil at the Brandywell after having the lion's share of the possession.

"It's obviously an important game for both teams and will be a tough game.

"The return of Liam Kearney is a big plus for us, he broke his leg just as he was coming into good form and so I was delighted that he scored on his return and he has had a terrific attitude throughout.

"Thomas Stewart and Tam McManus have scored goals recently and that will give us confidence."