Team news | Shelbourne v Derry City (A)
Shels make the trip to the Ryan McBride Brandywell on Friday in the SSE Airtricity league of Ireland Premier Division.
Damien Duff’s side are looking to build on their good run of form that has seen them lose just one of their last nine league games.
Shels go into this one off the back of a 0-0 draw with Bohs in the Dublin Derby in Dalymount Park last Friday.
In team news, Kian Leavy and Paddy Barrett remain sidelined. Paddy Barrett will be monitored over the coming weeks, while Leavy is expected after the break.
Damien Duff provided an encouraging update on the squad, expressing optimism as the team’s long-term injured players gradually make their way back to action. Last week against Bohs saw the return of both Sean Boyd and Gavin Molloy.
The manager told ShelbourneFC.ie: “Sean Boyd is available for selection. It is very encouraging to get him back. The important thing will be to work on his fitness and build it up over the coming weeks.”
The fixture against Bohs also saw the return of Gavin Molloy. Duff had this to say on his performance, “It was a very solid performance all round from Gav, especially after a tough few weeks on the sidelines, we are delighted to have him back.”
Shelbourne manager Damien Duff has highlighted the importance of a quick turnaround ahead of a busy week of fixtures. He told ShelbourneFC.ie: “We have to be on it to get 3 points, this is a big game. We have a busy week of fixtures ahead of us that means we need a quick turnaround. There are 9 points available and we’ll be looking to go for them.“
Derry sit atop the League of Ireland Premier Division table currently and go into this game winning four of their last five games. Damien Duff has told ShelbourneFC.ie that he expects a tough test at the Brandywell. “You know what to expect at the brandywell. It is a tough place to go, artificial surface and a big pitch, if you give Derry a chance it could mean big trouble. They’re a top side with top players.”
Shels go into tomorrow night’s game with the best defensive record in the top flight, having conceded just 11 goals this season. Duff has highlighted the importance of his sides’ defensive solidity going into a tough week of fixtures. He told ShelbourneFC.ie: “Everything should be built on a solid defensive structure. We have that. The coaching staff have worked tirelessly with the team and lads have really bought into this. Now it’s about kicking into gear and playing with a sense of freedom, keeping the football and looking after it”
Tickets
Tickets for the Reds upcoming clash are available here; https://www.derrycityfc.net/away-support-ticketing-v2/?shels&ftredirect=1
TV
Watch all the action on LOITV, coverage begins from 7:35pm with kick off at 7:45pm.
