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There can be little argument over who wears the No.1 shirt after Maher's outstanding debut season at Brandywell. Despite the signing of Tadhg Ryan to add some much needed competition in the goalkeeping department, the Dubliner is hugely important in terms of the way Derry play and it would come as a major surprise should he be left out for this one.There can be little argument over who wears the No.1 shirt after Maher's outstanding debut season at Brandywell. Despite the signing of Tadhg Ryan to add some much needed competition in the goalkeeping department, the Dubliner is hugely important in terms of the way Derry play and it would come as a major surprise should he be left out for this one.
There can be little argument over who wears the No.1 shirt after Maher's outstanding debut season at Brandywell. Despite the signing of Tadhg Ryan to add some much needed competition in the goalkeeping department, the Dubliner is hugely important in terms of the way Derry play and it would come as a major surprise should he be left out for this one.

How Could Derry City Line-Up in President's Cup Final against Shamrock Rovers after transfer window

Derry City could yet make a few additions to their 2023 squad with the League of Ireland transfer window remaining open and potential new loan signings also a possibility in the coming days.
By Simon Collins
Published 5th Feb 2023, 21:47 BST

Ruaidhri Higgins has done some shrewd business in the market during the close season and his strongest team will look slightly different from last year's team which finished second and won the FAI Cup.

With that in mind we've put together the likely starting XI, based on a 4-3-3 formation, that fans could see lining out for the President's Cup at Brandywell on Friday night as both Derry and Shamrock Rovers look to put down an early marker and strike a psychological blow at the first possible opportunity.

Have a look at our starting line-up and let us know your thoughts on Derry's strongest line-up.

Have a look at our starting line-up and let us know your thoughts on Derry's strongest line-up.

Returning for his second spell at his hometown club Doherty has been impressive in pre-season and he could be set for a tough re-introduction to the League of Ireland on Friday night against Rovers. His versatility makes it difficult to nail down a position but the left-back or left wingback slot appears the most likely fit given his defensive capabilities and ability to bomb down the wing and his delivery into the danger area.

5. Ben Doherty (left-back)

Returning for his second spell at his hometown club Doherty has been impressive in pre-season and he could be set for a tough re-introduction to the League of Ireland on Friday night against Rovers. His versatility makes it difficult to nail down a position but the left-back or left wingback slot appears the most likely fit given his defensive capabilities and ability to bomb down the wing and his delivery into the danger area. Photo: George Sweeney

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Graydon offers natural width to this City team and he grew into the right wing position towards the end of last season. He's got bags of potential and will no doubt play a big role. With Duffy on the left and Graydon on the right it gives the team a natural balance and a hell of a lot of attacking quality from the wings.

6. Ryan Graydon (right wing)

Graydon offers natural width to this City team and he grew into the right wing position towards the end of last season. He's got bags of potential and will no doubt play a big role. With Duffy on the left and Graydon on the right it gives the team a natural balance and a hell of a lot of attacking quality from the wings. Photo: Kevin Moore

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The former Man City and Forest Green midfield man missed out on the FAI Cup final due to his unfortunate suspension but he will no doubt be back in the starting line-up for this one. He's got so much quality and his composure and ability to control the play in the middle of the park gives him the nod against the league champions. Expecting a big season from the Englishman.

7. Sadou Diallo (midfield)

The former Man City and Forest Green midfield man missed out on the FAI Cup final due to his unfortunate suspension but he will no doubt be back in the starting line-up for this one. He's got so much quality and his composure and ability to control the play in the middle of the park gives him the nod against the league champions. Expecting a big season from the Englishman. Photo: George Sweeney

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The new signing from Preston North End gives Derry lots of energy in the middle of the pitch. Considers himself a box-to-box midfielder and described by Higgins as a 'tigerish' and 'devilish' player who will put himself about. Likely to fill the No. 6 roll in the Derry midfield and I'd expect him to start against Rovers, particularly given the likely absence of the injured Dummigan.

8. Adam O'Reilly (midfield)

The new signing from Preston North End gives Derry lots of energy in the middle of the pitch. Considers himself a box-to-box midfielder and described by Higgins as a 'tigerish' and 'devilish' player who will put himself about. Likely to fill the No. 6 roll in the Derry midfield and I'd expect him to start against Rovers, particularly given the likely absence of the injured Dummigan. Photo: CameraSport - Mick Walker

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