St Pat's look to secure European football against Foylesiders

St Patrick’s Athletic will be looking to put the disappointment of their Cup exit behind them when they take on Derry City at Richmond Park tonight, kick-off 7.45pm.

Saints were beaten in Monday’s semi-final replay by First Division side Shelbourne and will now have to finish strongly in the league to secure European football for next season.

Gary Rogers is suspended for Pete Mahon’s side after his sending off against Shelbourne but the Saints boss can call on Derek Pender, Dave Mulcahy, Paul Crowley and Anthony Murphy, who all return from suspension.

John O'Connor and Shane Guthrie also return to the squad after being cup tied for Monday's game. Seán O'Connor remains out with a hamstring injury while Chris Bennion will deputise for Rogers.

Saints boss Mahon is likely to make several changes as he said his players were "physically and mentally exhausted" after the Cup defeat.

Derry travel to Inchicore with their title hopes hanging by a thread following last week’s defeat to Shamrock Rovers.

But Stephen Kenny’s side will be looking to finish their first season back in the Premier Division on a high as they look to secure a Europa Cup spot for next season.

Eddie McCallion and Gareth McGlynn are ruled out for City as they both are struggling with calf injuries.

Owen Morrison is also ruled out, while centre-half Stewart Greacen is a doubt as he is struggling with a shoulder injury.

There are concerns over the fitness of Patrick and Shane McEleney and the brothers both face late fitness tests.

Candystripes boss Stephen Kenny said: "Europe would be a huge prize for the players - it would be a big thing, massive for the club, with serious financial rewards.

"We won't be playing for a draw - we'll be positive and try to score goals. We will take the game to them and make sure we defend well when we need to.

"This will be a tough game as St Pat's have only lost one match at home this season.

"They have to beat us to have a chance of qualifying for Europe themselves so we need to rediscover the edge in our play."