McLean out for Derry, no changes expected for UCD

Derry City face UCD tonight at the UCD Bowl looking to record their first league win of the season, kick-off 7.45pm.

City had a disappointing return to Premier Division action, going down to Sligo Rovers at the Brandywell.

Derry are set to plan without James McClean who is struggling with a hip-flexer injury.

Kevin Deery and Ruairi Higgans are also doubts for the Candystripes as they are recovering from calf and thigh injuries respectively.

Ruairi Harkin and Thomas McBride are included for the trip to Dublin.

City manager Stephen Kenny is confident of a result in Belfield despite last week’s 1-0 loss to Sligo.

He said: “Last week’s performance was encouraging and we have the capacity to improve, as long as we continue to work hard.”

College got their league campaign off to a winning start, beating Drogheda last weekend and manager Martin Russell will be hoping they continue in the same vein against Derry at home.

Russell made wholesale changes for the Leinster Senior Cup clash midweek but is likely to name the same starting eleven that took three points at Hunky Dorys Park last week.

Russell said: “With the A League not yet up and running it allowed me to provide an opportunity for fringe players. It also gave me a chance to review my options prior to Friday’s visit of Derry City to the Bowl.”

UCD midfielder Robbie Benson has returned from injury and is likely to feature at some stage tonight, however, Darren Meenan is set to miss out as he returns to full-fitness.