Derry City injury '˜crisis' worsens

Derry City manager Kenny Shiels made attempts to call off tonight's match against Finn Harps.

The Derry City boss revealed he made approaches to the FAI in the faint hope of having it rescheduled, but his request has fallen on deaf ears.

Right-back, Niclas Vemmelund is the only recognised first team defender available although, skipper, Ryan McBride could be forced to play through the pain barrier and will face a late fitness test.

Shiels claims he is ‘working around the clock’ in a bid to get defensive cover in place for the FIVE first team defenders currently on the treatment table.

In fact the City manager has already identified one such target - an experienced defender who, he says, could help the team ‘immensely’.

While he refused to name the free agent, he said he would try everything possible to get the player signed in the coming days. He will attempt to fast-track the move, however, it’s highly unlikely he can force it through before Monday night’s match against Cork City at Brandywell.

“If I could get the match put off I would do that,” said Shiels about tonight’s fixture. “It’s just unfortunate that we have games on Friday and then Monday. It’s going to be the same for both games but it’s a bit of a crisis.

“We have the FAI Cup match against Bohemians next Friday as well so it’s a killer. We have tried to get it (Harps game) called off and failed,” he confirmed.

“Ryan (McBride), Aaron (Barry), Dean Jarvis and Conor McDermott are now on the injured list along with Patrick McClean. We have Sam Todd and Ben Doherty and it’s a difficult one, but we must get on with it.”