ARTHUR DUFFY reports

With Drogheda United having dropped what could prove valuable points at home against two of the bottom clubs - Galway United and Cobh Ramblers - over recent weeks, tonight’s fixture is considered vital if the ‘Candy Stripes’ hope to consolidate or better their finishing league position this season.

Commenting last night, the Brandywell boss has hinted that he will make a number of changes if only to rest players who have been on the road for so long over recent weeks and one individual almost certain to start tonight’s game is ex-Linfield striker, Thomas Stewart.

Indeed, the timing of the Setanta Sports Cup couldn’t have come at a worse time for the Portadown man who is cup-tied in that particular competition having already represented the ‘Blues’ during the opening phase of fixtures this season.

And while the Derry boss is a great believer in continuity in his starting XI provided, of course, that players continue to give consistent performances, Stewart has not been so fortunate.

Interestingly, the 21-year-old hitman has started a total of eight games this season making a further six appearances as substitute. During those fixtures Stewart has managed to net a total of five goals - three in the league and two in the FAI Cup.

When questioned on the player’s performances since his arrival from Windsor Park, Kenny said he was pleased with Stewart’s progress.

“Thomas will not be involved against Linfield next Monday night as he’s cup-tied, so he could have an opportunity to come back in and make an impression against Sligo,” said the Dubliner.

“The return of the Setanta Cup has been a bit unlucky for him. He lost his place in the startling line-up due to the fact that he was cup-tied but having scored five goals after a limited number of starts says quite a lot about his ability,” noted Kenny.

“But we have a few players pressing hard for call-ups into the starting team and it’s important that they get games. We have seven league matches left and we want to finish the season strongly, so I hope to freshen the squad up for the visit of Sligo.

“Some players have been under-used while others are out on their feet given our heavy itinerary, so there will be changes,” he confirmed.

Yet to score against Sligo

It’s also interesting to note that while Derry have yet to defeat Paul Cook’s men this season in two matches - in fact, the ‘Candy Stripes’ have yet to score a goal against them - Kenny claims Cook had quality players at his disposal.

“Both games finished scoreless, but I like a few of their players,” he answered. “Seamus Coleman, Romy Boco and Maura Almeida are good players so we’ll have to be at our best if we are to win the game.

“I’ve no doubt it will be another tough game for us but it’s important to get a victory and keep clear of Drogheda.