Derry look to kickstart league campaign

Derry City host Dundalk this evening having drawn their previous two league encounters.

They will be heartened by an impressive 3-0 victory over Shamrock Rovers in the Setanta Sports Cup semi-final first leg on Monday, however.

The Lilywhites travel to the Brandywell on the back of a 6-0 thumping by the Hoops.

Dundalk are looking for their first away goal in the league since last September and their first away league victory since June.

Derry operate without Rory Patterson (foot), Ruaidhri Higgins (groin), Owen Morrison (calf) and Stewart Greacen (knee) through injury.

There will also be late fitness tests for Shane McEleney, Stephen McLoughlin and Simon Madden.

Dundalk’s Derek Foran (back) is a doubt but left-back Nathan Murphy (toe) returns from injury and Eoghan Osborne is also likely to feature while Mark Griffin (groin) remains out.

Derry City manager Declan Devine said: "Dundalk will be looking to restore some pride after their defeat in Tallaght last week and will come into this game with nothing to lose.

"We have seen teams come here in the past and make it difficult for us and I expect Dundalk to be no different."