Determined Davy with a point to prove
DAVID McDAID will be anxious to prove a point and end his recent goal drought when he returns to Ballybofey tonight to lead Derry City's frontline in the North-West derby battle against Finn Harps. (Kick-off 8.00 pm)
The 19-year-old striker, whose last goal for his hometown club came against James Gallagher's men last May in the 2-0 league Cup victory at Brandywell, was deemed surplus to requirements at Finn Park last season having endured a frustrating six month loan spell at the Donegal club.
However, Brandywell boss, Stephen Kenny has heaped praise on the diminutive frontman who he believes has played an integral part of the 'Candy Stripes' title charge this season and the Dubliner expects him to make a major impact on his return to Ballybofey.
First choice striker, Mark Farren (hamstring) remains doubtful for tonight's derby and with another former Harps favourite, Stephen Parkhouse, still short of match sharpness, McDaid will be hoping to take full advantage of his opportunity as the leaders attempt to extend their 12 point lead at the league summit.
"David and Ruairi Harkin both had loan spells at Harps last season and were deemed surplus to requirements," explained Kenny. "Harps allowed them to come back to us and they've been an integral part of our season so far. It's been a real team effort this season and they've scored in some important games for us.
"David's last goal came against Harps in the League Cup game but he's led the line brilliantly. He just needs to rediscover that belief in himself."
Collective Effort
Tonight's derby clash marks the beginning of a difficult five game league schedule for Derry and, despite boasting an unbeaten record against Harps during both his reigns at the club, Kenny expects the Ballybofey club to provide a major test to his side's 16 game unbeaten run.
"At the start of the season, many neutral observers would have said both Finn Harps' and our squad were similar and many would have thought there would be nothing between the sides. Many of our players were largely unknown but they've done brilliantly and have committed themselves to a prolific training schedule.
"Finn Harps at Ballybofey will be a real test for our squad," he added. "In all the matches between theses, that I've been involved with anyway, we've always beaten Harps but we've had some really tough games where we needed last minute goals to win.
"I can remember Killian Brennan down at Finn Park scored deep into injury time when we were down to ten men to give us the win. It'll be a real tough test.
"We'll have to be at our best. We'll have to be resolute and show the same spirit we've been showing over recent weeks. We've played 20, won 15 and drawn four, and we've done that as a collective effort. We'll need every inch of our resolve to get a victory."
A victory would be a massive boost to the Candy Stripes' chances of retaining their Premier Division status, however Kenny refuses to get carried away, insisting there's a lot more work to be done.
"We've had a terrific run of games and the players have put in a lot of effort to get us into this position but nothing is handed out until October and there's a lot of hard work ahead of us."
Kenny's squad will no doubt be tested to the maximum tonight as Mark McChrystal remains a major doubt having sustained a groin strain during last Friday night's 1-0 victory over Salthill Devon.
The big defender is likely to join long-term absentees, Kevin Derry, James McClean, Adam Clarke and Mark Scoltock on the sidelines at Finn Park.
BBC Radio Foyle will be broadcasting live coverage from Finn Park tonight. Eric White will be on commentary with analysis from former Derry City striker Liam Coyle.
Coverage begins at 7.30pm on BBC Radio Foyle 792MW and online www.bbc.co.uk/radiofoyle
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Derry
Sunday 12 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 5 C to 9 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 7 C to 9 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: North west
