ARTHUR DUFFY reports

Indeed, television footage of the incident clearly suggests that the midfielder was NOT responsible for the action, yet the referee flashed a yellow card at the Creggan man for ungentlemanly conduct.

Compounding those difficulties is the fact that Deery picked up another booking in the 3-0 defeat of Linfield last Monday night, a caution which sees him suspended for next Tuesday night's Setanta Sports Cup semi-final against Cork City, a decision which has infuriated the Brandywell boss.

"I'm very disappointed that Kevin Deery is to be suspended for the semi-final next Tuesday night," blasted the Dubliner before departing for tonight's league game against Bray at the Carlisle Grounds.

"Having viewed the television footage of the incident, I've asked the club to vigorously fight this suspension as we appear to be getting 'a deaf ear' in relation to the matter.

"The player was booked for the "shorts" incident after Kevin McHugh had scored against St. Pat's. But that incident had nothing to do with Kevin Deery, he was not the guilty party. It seemed to be a random yellow card shown to any player. He wasn't guilty but the yellow card he then picked up against Linfield on Monday night will rule him out of the semi-final which, I believe, is wrong and I want to challenge that decision," he added.

"I believe we have a settled line-up and Kevin has come into his own, therefore, I don't wish to change that. So I've asked the club to fight for the right for him to take his place in the semi-final next Tuesday night."

However, if Deery's card is to be rescinded, then Derry must produce the perpetrator and it would appear that the "Candy Stripes" boss may be happy to facilitate that request.

On road again

Meanwhile, after what has been a superb week for all followers of Derry City, Kenny led his troops to Bray yesterday afternoon in an effort to rectify their only league defeat on the road this season, a 1-0 defeat by the Wanderers back in April.

Gareth McGlynn is suspended for the game while Peter Hutton (hernia operation) and Sean Hargan (tight hamstring) were also absent from the team bus, but with Eddie McCallion, Kevin McHugh and Thomas Stewart all added to the squad, Derry are travelling in a happy frame of mind.

And while the Dubliner certainly enjoyed the defeat of Linfield on Monday and the impressive turnout for Tuesday's game against Celtic, he remains adamant his staff are now fully focused on the task at hand.

"We are fully focused on Friday night's game in Bray. I've got 17 players to choose from, so we are strong enough. Billy Dennehy is getting to know the players and he continues to find his feet as he gives us a good shape and a natural balance on the left flank.

"Bray, of course, is our only 'away' defeat this season when a late penalty went against us. They came back from 2-0 down to get a ponit at Shamrock Rovers last Tuesday night, so they will be buoyed by that.