Derry City vs Shamrock Rovers

Derry where unbeaten in the month of July, registering two 4-0 wins and two 0-0 draws. Manager Stephen Kenny has been impressed with his players and wants to maintain the form of last month, although he realises Shamrock Rovers will be tough opposition.

" We've been playing really well in the last few weeks and have hit top form. The team have been creating chances and scoring goals so I'm pleased with that. Rovers will provide tough opposition and undoubtedly it will be a tough game for us for. We have to try and continue to play at the level we have been playing and hopefully we can get a positive result".

Kenny will have to plan with Mark McChrystal who is serving a suspension, whilst Peter Hutton is a doubt as he is struggling with a groin injury. Stephen Grey returns to the squad.

Shamrock Rovers will be buoyed by the win against Sligo in Tolka Park last Friday and will hope his team can maintain that momentum. Against Sligo, Pat Scully believed his side was tired from a game 4 days previous but was impressed with their ability to battle on a secure the win.

"We looked tired from the start. It was difficult after playing St. Pat's just four days previously, we didn't play well, but I was pleased with other aspects of our performance. Our mental strength is developing; the players are maturing and gaining from their experiences. We grew stronger as the game wore on and once we scored I felt we were going to win"

Scully is hoping his side will get something from this game, hoping a combination of good crowd support and a strong Shamrock Rovers performance will do the trick.

"The Brandywell is always a tough place to go, but it's also one of the best. They've got a lovely stadium and pitch, they've got good support - and we always bring a good crowd up there. Stephen Kenny's got a very good side. They''ve got real mobility - they're full of pace. But we have done well over the last 6-7 weeks and if we maintain that form we can get a result in Derry".

In team news, Darragh Maguire is suspended. Tadhg Purcell (ankle) is doubtful, while Danny O'Connor (back) and Darren Stapleton (concussion) both received knocks during last Friday's game against Sligo Rovers.

"Tadhg hasn't trained all week so he mightn't make it," says Hoops' boss, Pat Scully. "On the other hand, both Danny and Darren should be okay to play."

In other Shamrock Rovers news, they have completed the signing, on loan until the end of the season, of Joseph Ndo from Saint Patrick's Athletic and Scully is delighted with the Cameroonian joining the team.

"This is a very good signing for us and I'm delighted to welcome a player of Joseph Ndo's quality to Shamrock Rovers. It's a clear indication that we're moving up to the next level.

"Everyone knows how good a player he is, but when I sat down to talk with Joseph I was equally impressed by his attitude. He's very aware of what we're at and how we do things at this club. "I feel he can make a massive contribution, and will be a very good influence at the club and on the younger players at Shamrock Rovers".

They have also signed goalkeeper Robert Duggan from Stoke City, Mark Leech recently arrived from Galway United, while Corey Treacy signed as a professional and Padraig Amond has extended his contract.

Meanwhile, Barry Ferguson (to Sporting Fingal) and Dessie Baker (Dundalk) have gone out on loan until the end of the 2008 Season.

The game kicks off at 19:45.