Roddy Collins takes the new look Derry City to Dublin this evening to take on Shamrock Rovers in the Brandywell club’s opening game in the new Airtricity Premiership season.
Derry City manager Roddy Collins.
Collins has added ten new faces to the Candystripes’ squad since taking over the managerial reins from Declan Devine with new acquisitions consisting of players with English League and Scottish Premiership experience.
The Dubliner has almost a full squad to choose from with Barry McNamee the only doubt for today’s clash.
The midfielder picked up a knock in training during the week and will undergo a fitness test prior to kick off.
The Hoops will be missing the services of former Derry defender Simon Madden, who carries over a suspension from his time at Brandywell.
Madden’s absence will come as a relief as his consistent performances for City last season resulted in him being named in the RTE Team of the Year.
Like Collins, Rovers boss Trevor Coly was busy during the close season and has acquired the services of a number of experienced campaigners with his capture of Republic of Ireland international Stephen McFail the headline signing.
Unlike Derry, Rovers have already have several competitive games under their belts, thanks to competing in the Leinster Senior Cup and the Setanta Sports Cup in which they recorded an impressive 5-1 home win over Glentoran, with McPhail and Madden among the goalscorers.
Today’s game at Tallaght kicks off at 5.25pm and will be screened live on RTE 2 as well as being broadcast on Derry-based radio station Drive 105.
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