Candystripes short-handed for trip to Tallaght

Shamrock Rovers and Derry City will meet for the third time in 12 days with three players doubtful for the Foylesiders for the Premier Division clash at Tallaght Stadium.

The Candystripes produced a stunning 3-0 win over Rovers in the first leg of their Setanta Sports Cup semi-final when the Hoops had their keeper sent off early on but the Dubliners responded by winning the second leg 2-0 at the Brandywell.

Derry will be without the services of Stewart Greacen (knee) and Rory Patterson (foot) while Kevin Deery, Shane McEleney and Owen Morrison will be assessed today.

Derry City boss Declan Devine: "The lads know that they will have to up their game from last Monday night if we are to get anything from the game in Tallaght.

"We know it will be a tough game against the Champions and we will have to rely on a number of our young players once again."

Rovers pair Ciaran Kilduff (broken metatarsal) and Stephen O’Donnell (knee cartilage) are both out through injury.

Killian Brennan (calf) will again face a late fitness test, but Shamrock Rovers boss Stephen Kenny is hoping to continue their good form at Tallaght.

Kenny said: "We have had great support at home this season, and we have had a good record at home too.

"We know we'll face a tough test from Derry City, but we will be looking to keep up our good home record in the league. We'll have a battle on our hands, but that's to be expected in this league."