Connor will definitely include former Portadown and Newry City midfield playmaker, Mickey Collins, in his squad, the Belfast man expected to finally make his debut following a registration difficulty which has kept him out since signing before the start of the season.

But Dundalk have brought two Scottish imports in to see out the season with former Ayr United striker, Alex Williams, joined by Michael McGowan, from Queen of the South.

"I'm hopeful that we will gain international clearance through the Scottish FA before the close of business on Friday, to allow both Williams and McGowan, to join the panel," said Connor last night.
"I don't forsee any difficulties with Michael Collins as he's been here since the start of the season and his registration difficulties have finally been cleared," he added.

"Provided all three make it, I will be working from a panel of 17 players and I'm happy about that. Liam Burns has a sore back, so he'll undergo a pre-match test."

Looking forward to the game, Connor said he was aware of Derry's difficulties due to both injury and suspension, but he held the view that Stephen Kenny had other quality players ready to step in.
"I think Derry City have been the most consistent club in the League of Ireland over the past few seasons without having won the league title. It's a fabulous club, backed by great support and given their performances so far, I wouldn't be surprised if they fancy themselves to go on and win the league this year.

"Facing Derry is also a very tough match for us, even if the game is at Oriel Park, but we'll be prepared and ready for the challenge," concluded the Dundalk boss.

Six Absentees
Meanwhile, the Brandywell club must plan without the suspended Clive Delaney and Steven Gray which will necessitate two changes in the back four while Kevin Deery (calf muscle strain), Barry Molloy (ankle ligaments) and Liam Kearney (fractured leg) will not be involved.

It's expected that Mark McChrystal and Ger O'Brien will be deployed in the back-line while Ciaran Martyn, Ruaidhri Higgins, James McClean and Ruairi Harkin will compete for places in the centre of the park.
And with Dundalk playing their home games on their synthetic 3G (third generation) grass pitch, the 'Candy Stripes' have again gained assistance from Strabane's Holy Cross College's superb sports facilities this week.

Indeed, boasting a full size 3G pitch, the Derry squad trained at the Co. Tyrone venue on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of this week in an effort to familiarise themselves with the playing surface at Oriel Park.
But even with six experienced players missing, Brandywell boss, Stephen Kenny, felt those coming in now had an opportunity to display the "strength, unity and quality" of the current Derry City squad.
"Dundalk have been in good form before the break having defeated Cork in Turner's Cross, but our players are also confident and our record of six consecutive 'clean sheets' has given everyone a boost," he said.

"We will be missing six experienced players but we must view that as a challenge to travel to Dundalk and be able to display the strength, unity and quality of the group of players that we have. We must try to put in a performance which will, hopefully, see us extend our winning run even if the game is to be played on a synthetic surface.

"At times this season we've shown a capacity to battle back when 1-0 in arrears against Cork City and away to Shamrock Rovers - with just 10 men - and yet win both games. We were 1-0 down against Bohemians at half-time, yet we battled back to win the match 3-2. Those were difficult situations so now that we find ourselves down six players of our best players, we've got to display the strength and unity which exists within this squad," declared Kenny.

"Ruairi Harkin has returned from Finn Harps following the completion of his loan spell and he will go straight into the squad while Shane McEleney has also been included."

Kenny also remembered the surprise 0-1 defeat inflicted by Dundalk at the Brandywell back in April, but he felt Dundalk were a better team these days.

"To be honest, we didn't play well against them at the Brandywell, yet we dominated the match. They got one chance and scored but I feel Dundalk are a much better side now than they were then.

"We've got to show what we're about as many neutrals will view Friday night's game as one we could lose with so many players absent, so from our point of view, it's very much a case of showing what we are about."