In what's been a sensational turnaround, two of the best supported clubs in Ireland will clash in the League of Ireland's lower tier, both clubs exhibiting new-look teams dominated by local players from both jurisdictions.

Having read and listened to speculation and rumour that interestingly named "Cork City Foras Co-op," will be but a shadow of the side which represented the Leeside club last season, Kenny rejected such claims when suggesting that players such as Mick Devine, Marc McNulty, Cillian Lordan, Graham Cummins, Dave Rogers, Davin O'Neill, Admir Softic and former Derry midfielder, Greg O'Halloran, could hardly be described as inexperienced individuals!

"These players have more than a fair degree of Premier Division experience," he insisted. "They've played at the top level for a number of clubs and, make no mistake about, we're in for a very tough opening game. Cork will be strong and determined" he added.

"But I'd rather not comment on Cork, I'd much prefer to comment on Derry City and our own new-look team. Our players must believe in themselves, we will need to be patient as we try to improve. We're still learning about each other as a group but the players are exiting about playing in the game as a new chapter opens for the club," said Kenny.

"If we could win the game, it would represent a great start for us and we must strive to do just that."

"We face a very tough start in our return to the First Division as we will be sailing into unchartered waters, but we know it will be competitive. We will rally around each other and do all in our power to get off to a good start. The players are looking forward to it and while we've experienced a few setbacks already, we'll re-group, be strong and focused and, hopefully, do what is required in our first competitive game at the Brandywell.

"The players are really looking forward to the first game, it has been dominating their thoughts over the past few weeks and while there will be no shortage of emotion for those representing their home town club for the first time, they want to get on with it and open the campaign with a victory."

Team captain, Kevin Deery (calf) and returning striker, Stephen Parkhouse (knee), have both been ruled out while exciting youngsters Patrick McEleney and Thomas McBride, are ineligible and Derry have yet to receive international clearance due to the fact that both are under-18 having returned from England.

Kenny, therefore, will be forced into an immediate reshuffle but it's expected that former Irish League players, Mark Scoltock and Emmett Friars will make their debuts in the back four while Vinny Sweeney could feature in a midfield role.

Few would have envisaged such a scenario last season but, like Cork, Derry have also lost a significant number of players. In fact, Kenny successfully planted the trunk of the team first before adding the branches and he appears to be happy with the growth thus far.

"We have a fair degree of talent in the squad, young players who are ready to compete at senior level but we must not hold high expectations given the experience and quality of the First Division this season. Teams such as Cork City, Shelbourne, Waterford and Limerick have all won the League of Ireland title in the past and outside Cork and Derry, those teams have been rebuilding over recent season.

"We've managed to get a decent blend of youth and experience but we are moving into the unknown with a team of players who will be new to each other and it will take time for things to gel," he continued.

Dunne returns to Brandywell
Meanwhile, Cork have also signed a significant number of new players, and they will also be led by their former assistant manager, Tommy Dunne, an ex-Derry City defender who was part of the 1997 Premier Division Championship winners.

The Dubliner successfully persuaded midfielder, Davin O'Neill to remain at Turner's Cross despite major interest from Waterford and this week he has added another former Derry defender, Davy Rogers to his defence, the Liverpudlian brought to Cork by caretaker boss, Roddy Collins.
Admir Softic, a physically strong central midfielder from Bosnia, who represented the Leesiders a few seasons ago has returned from playing football in Denmark while Dunne has also added an Italian right-back, Samuele Emiliano and former Stockport County striker, Declan Edwards plus a number of younger players.

In fact, don't be surprised if former Shelbourne and Drogheda winger, Ritchie Baker, joins Dunne's troops in time for tonight's game.
Commenting on Cork's difficulties this week, Dunne said he had experienced the busiest 48 hours of his career when attempting to secure a team which would represent Cork City this season.
"We're waiting on international clearance for Declan Edwards, Admir Softic and Sam Emiliano, but they will be on the coach travelling to Derry for Friday night's game," he said.

"I've two fellas who are definitely out - Dave Warren will be attending his sister's wedding while Gearoid Morrissey, who has been released by Sunderland, sustained a back injury in a pre-season game and they will not be involved."

When asked for his thoughts on what's considered a particularly tough opening game, Dunne answered: "We couldn't have asked for a tougher start. Travelling to the Brandywell to get a favourable result can be very intimidating, but if we can give a good account of ourselves and manage to avoid injuries, that will be viewed as a good result from our point of view.

"We will certainly be up against it, but we'll not be fearful. Hopefully, our young players will grow up quickly and the older lads will help them out," added the team boss.

Candy Stripe
Store Re-Opens
The "Candy Stripe" Store located inside Brandywell Stadium will re-open tonight following the arrival of Derry City's "special edition" jerseys.
These jerseys will be worn by the club until May, when the new Hummel tops will arrive.

The club's third kit (black strip) will also be available plus a new consignment of polo shirts bearing the new Derry City Crest. Scarves, hats and other new merchandise will also be on sale this evening.
Meanwhile, tonight's match will be covered by local commercial radio station, "Drive 105.3FM" with John Dunne in the commentary position.