Cork set sights on third slot

The battle for third place in the Premier Division continues at Turner’s Cross tonight as fourth-placed Cork City entertain third-placed Derry City, kick-off 7.45pm.

Greg O’Halloran returns from suspension for the home side, while captain Dan Murray returned to training last week after a calf injury and should be available.

Joe Gamble will miss out again as he continues to struggle with a knee problem, while Timmy Kiely also remains sidelined by injury.

Cork boss Paul Doolin said: “We’ve played quite well over the last few games, but unfortunately we do not have a recognised goalscorer who will score 20 goals a season in the side, and perhaps that is the difference between drawing games and winning them.

“We had chances to beat Sligo Rovers last week, but the fact that Derry suffered a defeat meant that we did close the gap on them, so we have to look at that as a point gained as we chase a place in Europe.

“Both sides want to qualify for Europe, and this game will have a big say in that, so we will be looking for the three points.”

Derry travel with a depleted squad as Barry Molloy (calf), Kevin Deery (knee), Steven Gray (ankle), Sammy Morrow (ankle), Clive Delaney (hamstring) and James McLean (thigh) remain out injured.