New signings set to feature fro Sligo
Cup holders Sligo Rovers make the trip north to take on Derry City at the Brandywell in tonight’s Premier Division clash (kick-off 7.45pm).
Sligo have a fully-fit squad to choose from and new signings Raffaele Cretaro, Jason McGuinness, Aaron Greene, Alan Kirby and Brendan Clarke are all expected to feature.
Rovers boss Paul Cook said: “Derry are a very good side. They have Patrick McEleney, Eamon Zayed, Gareth McGlynn and Ruadhri Higgins, who are all quality players.
"We want to be competitive this season. For the first few games there could be some changes in the team and the players will take time to find their feet.
"The Brandywell is a very difficult place to go to but we are looking forward to it greatly. It is going to be exciting and I think we will give a good account of ourselves."
Former Bray Wanderers striker Eamon Zayed is set to make his league debut for City, although James McClean (hip-flexor) and Kevin Deery (calf injury) are both doubts for the league opener.
Candystripes boss Stephen Kenny is confident that his side will compete in this year’s title chase.
He said: "We don't have the biggest of squads but I have great faith in my young players. We must believe we can beat any team at home.
"It's impossible to replace Mark Farren as his goalscoring record is second to none but we've brought in Eamon Zayed. Eamon is a different sort of player and offers us something different.
"We will need goals from throughout the team and everyone will have to contribute. We have 36 games to play so we will need to use our squad."
