“We have to fight for our lives” – the words of Derry City manager Declan Devine ahead of the Candy Stripes’ crunch Airtricitiy Premiership tie with relegation-threatened Shelbourne at the Brandywell tonight.
Ryan McBride, back after suspension.
A drastic dip in form and confidence has seen City drop from being title contenders to fifth in the league and out of a Europa League qualifying spot.
Derry have the same points total and a game in hand over fourth placed Shamrock Rovers. Both are 12 points behind defending champions Sligo Rovers who occupy third spot and a guaranteed European qualification place.
For Derry to play in Europe next year they must finish ahead of Shamrock Roves and hope either Dundalk, currently in second place in the league, or Sligo win the FAI Cup.
Derry have won their two meetings with Shelbourne this season and will leap over Shamrock Rovers back into fourth place if they avoid defeat.
Derry boss Devine is realistic of the challenge City face.
He said: “At one stage we were challenging for the league title but now we have to fight for our lives and mount a challenge for that fourth position.”
Devine will be boosted for the clash against Shelbourne with the return of Ryan McBride after suspension. However, Sean Houston, club captain Kevin Deery and Thomas Crawley are out for the remainder of the season.
Tonight’s clash was was postponed at the beginning of last month after two Derry players received late call-ups to the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland U21 squads,
Kick-off at the Brandywell tonight is 7.45 and the game will be broadcast live on both Drive 105 and BBC Radio Foyle.
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