Derry City bolstered by return of Gareth McGlynn

Midfielder, Gareth McGlynn returns to the Derry City squad for the trip to Richmond Park.

The Inishowen man has sat out the last six games after injuring his hamstring in the first half of the 1-1 draw with Dundalk at Oriel Park.

And while he isn’t expected to feature in the starting line-up just yet, his presence on the bench will no doubt provide manager, Kenny Shiels with a significant boost.

Both Dean Jarvis and Aaron Barry enjoyed impressive performances against Cork on Monday night as they continue to recover from their respective injury setbacks and Shiels is delighted to be able to pick from a near full strength squad. Harry Monaghan (knee), however, remains sidelined.

Derry City's Dean Jarvis scored the winner in extra-time against Cork on Monday night.

“We had two teenagers in the back four and it took its toll against Sligo,” said the Derry boss. “So with Aaron and Dean coming back it gives us a lift and they were both outstanding on Monday night and that will strengthen us.

“Gareth got 70 minutes for the reserves last night (Wednesday) and he’s probably ready to come on the bench.”

Shiels is hoping to open up a seven point gap between his side and St Pat’s tonight with a second consecutive victory at Richmond Park - City won 1-0 at Inchicore last August!

“It’s important to put some daylight between ourselves and St Pat’s too. They’re going to be in the top four or five, there’s no doubt about that. We want to be within striking distance of them and if we can get a cushion between us it gives us hope and it will be a good area to be in going into the second third. Defeat, of course, would have the opposite effect.”

Derry’s win over Cork on Monday has set up a semi-final against First Division leaders, Limerick at Brandywell on August 1st and Shiels was delighted with the character shown by his side to claw their way back from a goal down for the fourth time this season.

“I was really pleased with the performance. We got the result. We went down there intent on winning and I was pleased with the players who put so much into it.

“Losing our momentum with defeat against Sligo and then going behind, we showed great character to go on and win the game. When you go on a winning streak and things are going along nicely and then all of a sudden you lose a game and start to think you’ll go the other way.

“We got back into the game with good possession and patience and composure and got our equaliser. And then we thoroughly deserved to win.”