Derry City's Kenny Shiels in contract talks with players

Shiels has defeated Keith Long’s side an amazing 10 games in a row!

“You wonder how long that’s going to last, because you have won 10 out 10,” he asked.

“Hopefully they won’t break their duck against us this season, but I can’t think about that, I have to think about the team that I’m going to put out and what is best equipped to win a match.”

Despite their unbelieveable record against the Dubliners, Shiels knows his side are coming up against one of the in-form teams in the league.

The Gypsies, who know if they manage to secure the victory on the road they would move just two points behind the Candy Stripes, have won five of their last six outings, scoring an impressive 21 goals in those games.

“Bohs have an abundance of talent and they have won five of their last six games,” he added.

“They are getting goals from everywhere so they are definitely a team that we need to make sure that we are on our best form to play them.”

The Brandywell men’s league form in recent months has been shocking, as they have only amassed 13 points from a possible 48 on offer and Shiels knows his side need to start getting some consistency into their game. as they look to try and catch fourth placed Shamrock Rovers, who had a fantastic last minute win at league leaders Dundalk in mid-week.

“It’s a big ask but Shamrock Rovers have to come to us so who knows?,” added Shiels.

“It’s outside our control. If we can beat Bohs then we must wait and see how other teams above us do.

“Yes we need to get more consistency, but people have knocked us because we have had a really difficult season and the boys have done well.

“We are in a good position, we are in the quarter-finals of the FAI Cup, the final of the League Cup and fifth position in the league, so I think that’s a very successful season, so far.”

Dean Shiels and Ally Roy, who picked up foot and collarbone injuries respectively in last week’s game against St Patrick’s Athletic may be available for selection, but midfielder Nicky Low and defender Conor McDermott are expected to miss out again.

Shiels also confirmed that the club are in on-going contract talks with most of the squad.

“Talks have been ongoing for quite a while now and I’m trying to get players to extendtheir contracts,” explained the Derry boss.

“We want to get our business done early, as you don’t want to be lumbering about with this at the end of the season, so hopefully we can get people tied up for next season, because I think we have a good squad of players. It may be shallow but we have got good players.”