'Parky' could miss start of new season
STEPHEN KENNY will field his newlook side at the Riverside Stadium tomorrow night against Institute (7.45 p.m.) but both Stephen Parkhouse and Kevin Deery will NOT be involved having picked up injury problems during last weekend's training camp in Co. Meath.
Parkhouse, who is believed to have lost a stone in weight over the past three weeks, strained his medial ligament and could well miss the start of the 2010 league campaign while Deery, the new Derry City captain, tweaked his calf and the Creggan man will be absent for one week.
But for the Brandywell boss, last weekend's training camp at the Johnstown House Hotel Complex "went particularly well" with the players working hard as they got to know each other.
However, the injury sustained by Parkhouse was the only concern as the playing staff found themselves in gruelling "double sessions" as they attempted to improve fitness levels ahead of the March 5th kick-off.
"The players worked very hard and, as a new group, it was important that they got to know each other. For the young players involved, they will learn what is required in relation to preparation for the season ahead. It was a good opportunity to do that and, aside from Stephen's injury in particular, everything went well," confirmed Kenny.
"Stephen picked up an unfortunate injury which was disappointing for him as he has been working particularly hard and has shed a stone in weight over the past three weeks.
"He has strained his medial ligament which will keep him out for a few weeks and it's possible that he may miss the start of the season, but we'll have to wait and see how he responds to treatment between now and then.
"He hasn't torn the ligament or anything like that, but he faces some rehabilitation and rest over the next few weeks before he can resume training with the rest of the group," noted the Derry boss.
Deery to miss friendlies
Kevin Deery tweaked his calf which will keep him out of action for the next week, therefore, he will also miss the opening pre-season games against Institute, Galway United and Sporting Final - three matches over a period of seven days.
"We will now get the chance to have a look at our playing staff in a match situation. In addition to our games against Institute and Newry, we've deliberately picked tough games against League of Ireland Premier Division opponents so that we can identify which areas we need to improve on and, at the same, identify the areas in which we will be strong," continued the Derry boss.
Looking towards tomorrow night's fixture, Kenny will lead his first team squad to the Riverside Stadium but he has every intention of giving a number of his young players an opportunity to impress.
"We have a small squad this season and the young players in that squad will be asked to step up to the mark as soon as possible. But I've been impressed with a number of them during last week's training camp and local players, such as Darren Cassidy, will feature in our opening three pre-season games. He seemed to enjoy the experience and did well.
"Indeed, he looked sharp and fit and is a player who can give us versatility on the left flank. He has a good attitude, he crosses the ball very well and I'm very interested in watching him, among others, in a match situation," declared Kenny.
"Other local teenagers such as Thomas McBride and Patrick McEleney also impressed in training while Ruairi Harkin and others have also made good progress."
Following tomorrow night's game - which is for the annual Billy Kee Memorial Cup - Derry host Galway at the Brandywell on Saturday afternoon (5.00 p.m.) with Sporting Fingal arriving on Foyleside next Tuesday night (7.45 p.m.)
"I'm very much looking forward to our pre-season campaign which will involve a total of six matches with the main emphasis focused on identifying any weaknesses or strengths in advance of the new season," he concluded.
Dungannon in
Drumahoe Tonight
Meanwhile, before tomorrow night's game in Drumahoe, Institute face another major fixture when John Gregg's men entertain Dungannon Swifts tonight (Tuesday).
And following Saturday's share of the spoils against Ballymena United, Gregg will be hopeful that his side can build on that performance as they attempt to catch the teams above them and move out of the relegation area.
"Dungannon will provide us with a very tough test. They've been scoring goals of late as their 4-4 result against Portadown proved last weekend, but we'll be ready and willing for the challenge and hopefully we will improve on our result against Ballymena last Saturday," he said.
However, one player who will not be involved is centre-half, Paddy McLaughlin, who was dismissed on Saturday following two yellow card cautions and 'Stute's versatile skipper, Ruari Boyle, is expected to join David Ogilby in the heart of the home defence.
Both Kevin Ramsey and Sean Friars missed last weekend's game through injury and Gregg was hopeful that one of the two would be available for selection for tonight's game.
Derry City Monthly Draw
Danny Harkin and Danny Meenan emerged the winners of the Derry City F.C. Monthly Draw for January.
Full results were - first prize, 850 - Danny Harkin, Ballyarnett Road, Derry, ticket no. 673; second prize, 300 - Danny Meenan, Kylemore Park, Derry, ticket no. 503.
Anyone wishing to join the monthly draw - 10 per month - is asked to contact the Derry City Office at Brandywell Stadium.
He has a good attitude, he crosses the ball very well and I'm very interested in watching him, among others, in a match situation," declared Kenny.
"Other local teenagers such as Thomas McBride and Patrick McEleney also impressed in training while Ruairi Harkin and others have also made good progress."
Following tomorrow night's game - which is for the annual Billy Kee Memorial Cup - Derry host Galway at the Brandywell on Saturday afternoon (5.00 p.m.) with Sporting Fingal arriving on Foyleside next Tuesday night (7.45 p.m.)
"I'm very much looking forward to our pre-season campaign which will involve a total of six matches with the main emphasis focused on identifying any weaknesses or strengths in advance of the new season," he concluded.
Dungannon in
Drumahoe Tonight
Meanwhile, before tomorrow night's game in Drumahoe, Institute face another major fixture when John Gregg's men entertain Dungannon Swifts tonight (Tuesday).
And following Saturday's share of the spoils against Ballymena United, Gregg will be hopeful that his side can build on that performance as they attempt to catch the teams above them and move out of the relegation area.
"Dungannon will provide us with a very tough test. They've been scoring goals of late as their 4-4 result against Portadown proved last weekend, but we'll be ready and willing for the challenge and hopefully we will improve on our result against Ballymena last Saturday," he said.
However, one player who will not be involved is centre-half, Paddy McLaughlin, who was dismissed on Saturday following two yellow card cautions and 'Stute's versatile skipper, Ruari Boyle, is expected to join David Ogilby in the heart of the home defence.
Both Kevin Ramsey and Sean Friars missed last weekend's game through injury and Gregg was hopeful that one of the two would be available for selection for tonight's game.
Derry City Monthly Draw
Danny Harkin and Danny Meenan emerged the winners of the Derry City F.C. Monthly Draw for January.
Full results were - first prize, 850 - Danny Harkin, Ballyarnett Road, Derry, ticket no. 673; second prize, 300 - Danny Meenan, Kylemore Park, Derry, ticket no. 503.
Anyone wishing to join the monthly draw - 10 per month - is asked to contact the Derry City Office at Brandywell Stadium.
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Weather for Derry
Monday 13 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 7 C to 9 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: North west
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Cloudy
Temperature: 8 C to 10 C
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