ARTHUR DUFFY previews tonight’s game

Therefore, it’s no surprise that Brandywell boss, Stephen Kenny, is anxious to get another home win under his belt before setting out on his travels.

Realising that a victory tonight would elevate Derry into third spot in the table, two points adrift of second placed St. Pat’s, the Derry boss sees such a scenario as a motivational tool and with players such as Sammy Morrow and Sean Hargan included in this evening’s panel, he’s of the belief that his side is more than capable of recording another win.

“This really is a big game for us as it’s our last match at home for a month. We’ll be travelling all around Ireland for the next three weeks and I think this would be a great game to win.

“We must travel to Galway on Monday next (League Cup semi-final), Kildare County the following Saturday (FAI Cup) before making the long trip to Cobh and then to U.C.D. in the league before we face Finn Harps at the end of the month.

“I think the Rovers’ game is a great chance for us to move into third spot in the table and move to within two points of St. Pat's but it will be very tough against Rovers. They are very well organised defensively and they don't give goals away easily. They have a very high work ethic and now that they’ve signed Joseph Ndo, he will certainly give them a boost and they will be buoyed coming here.”

However, rather than worry about the opposition, Kenny’s concerns were centred on the ‘Candy Stripes’ and while Peter Hutton (groin) and Mark McChrystal (suspended) will be absent, the Brandywell will have options with the return to fitness of Sean Hargan who has rejoined the squad having played a number of ‘A’ team games.

“Stephen Gray returns from injury having missed the Galway match while Eddie McCallion and Sean Hargan are also available, so we do have options,” smiled the Dubliner, who was delighted with the current form of his side.

“We're playing at the top of our game at the minute. We're playing free-flowing football, all our players are expressing themselves, we’ve got great pace and movement and other teams are struggling to live with us. But we must maintain that form and continue to believe in ourselves.

“Every time Niall McGinn gains possession of the ball, you can sense the anticipation in the crowd. Thomas Stewart's movement, Mark Farren's pace and movement and Gareth McGlynn's energy and enthusiasm have been brilliant. Indeed, I think both Gareth and Ruaidhri Higgins have been very under-rated as they have been very influential for us in this current run of form,” noted the Dubliner.

“So it's an exciting time for us at the moment and, hopefully, we will attract a big support to help the players perform.