Derry City's hopes of ending their recent slump will be boosted somewhat by the return from suspension of midfielder Paul Hegarty, but Gavin Dykes and Gary Beckett are still doubtful for the trip to Oriel Park. Tom Mohan and Robbie Brunton are definitely out.
The continuing problems mean that manager Felix Healy will have to stick with a couple of his younger players, but Hegarty's return does at least mean that his new central midfield partnership, of which Scotsman Craig Taggart is the other half, will get a run out together.
Jim McLaughlin, on the other hand, has problems of his own with recent signing Ian Ferguson out for at least a couple of weeks after a collision with the Swilly Rovers goalkeeper on Sunday left him with knee ligament damage.
In his absence Raymond McCoy may come back in on the left hand side of midfield with Brian Byrne returning to the front line. Given the ease of Sunday's win Tom McNulty may well hang on to his midfield spot with Paul Carlyle left on the bench once again.
Last two seasons: 1996/97: Dundalk 2 Derry 4, Derry 5 Dundalk 2, Dundalk 0 Derry 1; 97/98: Derry 1 Dundalk 2.
Recent league form: Dundalk: WWLDW; Derry: DWDLL.
Leading scorers: Dundalk: Melvin and Byrne (five apiece); Derry: Hargan (five), Keddy and L Coyle (four apiece).
Betting: Home: 15/8, Draw: 2/1, Away: 11/8. Referee: J Stacey (Athlone).
Mick Neville, who turned down the offer of a role in Shelbourne's coaching structure at the start of the season, was yesterday appointed as the club's Youth Development Officer. Neville will take responsibility for the development of the club's youth policy and the running of the club's FAS scheme with effect from the start of next month. He will continue to play for the club's first team until the end of the season.
