League Preview: St Patrick’s Athletic -v- Derry City

ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC 

Stephen Kenny begins his reign as St Patrick’s Athletic boss on Friday night when his side host Derry City (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Saints are seventh in the table but Kenny will be hoping to turn their fortunes around.

"It's been a bit of a whirlwind, I'm looking forward to getting started, it's a new chapter in my life and a new chapter for the club, and I'll be giving it everything,” he said.

“Garrett Kelleher has shared his vision for the club with me for a long time, he has plans for the Stadium, to expand the club into America, European progression and a lot of exciting plans really.

“The reason I signed a longer contract is the build the club over a period of time and I'm looking forward to driving it forward.

“My mother used to come to watch St Pat's, she's from Inchicore and lived in Ballyfermot, so there's a good connection there.

“It's a big job ahead to rebuild and to drive the club on. It's such a busy time now with three games in a week and we look forward to it.”

Axel Sjoberg, Tom Grivosti and Ryan McLaughlin are not expected to feature tonight.

DERRY CITY 

Derry City boss Ruaidhri Higgins is hoping that Derry City can spoil Kenny’s return to the dugout on Friday night. 

Higgins worked under Kenny in the Ireland senior international fold before taking charge of the Candystripes during the 2021 season.

But Derry have found their stride in recent weeks and head into a weekend where they play St Pat’s and Shamrock Rovers - both away from home.

“We’ve done well in recent weeks taking 11 points from a possible 15 and just as importantly we’re now getting players back into the squad, which is great given the schedule of matches,” Higgins said.

“Patrick McEleney, Michael Duffy and Sadou Diallo all came back in recent weeks and Cameron Dummigan is very close too, and we’ll see how he’s looking for Friday night.

“Obviously we still have one or two who need their minutes managed, but this is as good as things have been on the injury front for quite a while.

“We’re in a very good place at the minute, although I’m well aware that the players who have been out long term aren’t going to ease back in overnight.

“We’re honestly looking forward to going there and playing on a good pitch and all we’re thinking about is trying to win this game.”

Referee: Mark Houlihan. 

PREDICTION

St Patrick’s Athletic 2-1 Derry City

St Patrick’s Athletic

Injured: Axel Sjoberg, Tom Grivosti, Ryan McLaughlin.

Doubtful:None. 

Suspended: None. 

Derry City

Injured: Colm Whelan.

Doubtful:N/A.

Suspended: None.