Kelly a doubt for Hoops

Shamrock Rovers will be looking to maintain their 100% start to the season when they take on Derry City at the Brandywell tonight, kick-off 7.45pm.

The Hoops have only one fresh injury concern, with Dean Kelly a doubt for the tie with a calf problem. Craig Sives is also likely to be ruled out again with a hamstring injury.

Rovers manager Michael O’Neill said: “This game is another big test for us, against another of the favoured teams in the division. The Brandywell is always a tough place to go and we expect it to be no different this time. I think they have a nice mix of youth and experience in their squad.

“Having said that, out of the three games we have played up there since I came to the club, we have won two and drew one, so that’s not a bad record. We’ll be hoping to continue that this time around.”

“There is still room for improvement in the squad; we know that. But we are only three games into the league and we expect that to come with more games.

“Despite that we still have three wins out of three, which we’re obviously very happy with. We had a good win against Pat’s, and despite some reports to the contrary, I thought we were quite comfortable in that win.”

The Candystripes must plan without Ruaidhri Higgins who is struggling with a calf strain, while Stewart Greacen is also likely to miss out with a hand injury.

Otherwise manager Stephen Kenny has a full squad to choose from.

Kenny said: “We just have to make sure that defensively we're good because Rovers have good attacking options and good intelligence in Gary Twigg and Gary O’Neill.”

City Goalkeeper Gerard Doherty added: “Playing the Premier Division champions is a massive game for the club. But I’m certain we have what it takes to inflict the first defeat of the campaign on Rovers.”