ARTHUR DUFFY reports

And with the Setanta Sports Cup semi-finalists now identified, the focus turns to the visit of the ‘Bhoys’ this evening (5.45 p.m. kick-off) and the return of Paddy McCourt to his home town club.

Celtic will be led by Neil Lennon and Willie McStay and while their international players will not be involved this evening, the travelling side is considered one of the strongest Celtic teams to visit Ireland in recent years.

Ex-A.C. Milan midfielder, Massimo Donati and former Barcelona playmaker, Marc Crosas, have both been included in the panel while the club’s Irish contingent of Darren O’Dea, Cillian Sheridan and, of course, Paddy McCourt and local Derry lad, Daniel Lafferty are also involved in the travelling squad.

The game, which was agreed during the transfer of McCourt to Celtic Park a few months ago, is also being staged as part of Derry City’s 80th anniversary celebrations with a special gala dinner and auction to follow the match in the City Hotel.

Included in the travelling squad are - Mark Brown, Scott Fox, Paul Caddis, Glen Lovenns, Daniel Lafferty, Darren O’Dea, Massimo Donati, Marc Crosas, Paddy McCourt, Koki Mizuno, Cillian Sheridan, Ben Hutchinson, Paul McGowan, Dominic Cervi, Carlo Monti, Ryan Conroy, Mark Millar, Simon Ferry, Jason Marr and Kevin Cawley.

And for Brandywell boss, Stephen Kenny, the visit of Celtic signals another great occasion for his ‘Candy Stripes.’

Expected to use quite a large squad, Kenny is delighted that Derry City’s relationship with the Parkhead club continues to grow. “Over the years Celtic have had a strong relationship with Derry City and the support for Celtic throughout the North-West area is significant,” he noted.

“Despite the fact that the match clashes with an international weekend, Celtic will travel with probably one of the strongest sides to visit Ireland in quite some time. Many of those travelling have already played in the first team with some also having Champions League experience,” noted the Dubliner.

“The return of Paddy McCourt will also appeal to Derry City supporters who, I’ve no doubt, will give both Paddy and young Daniel Lafferty, a warm welcome.

“Paddy was a big Brandywell favourite and a terrific player while he was here, one of our most influential players and it was a great move for him to secure a contract with Celtic.