'We have a point to prove' - insists Derry City boss Declan Devine

The Candy Stripes welcome bottom of the table, Sligo Rovers to the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium (kick-off 5.45p.m.) in the first League of Ireland match to resume during the Covid-19 pandemic.

And while it's going to be a very different atmosphere at the Lone Moor Road venue, Devine has told his players they must perform for the fans watching on the new WatchLOI streaming service.

"I can't wait," said Devine. "It's a special place to come to whether there's fans there or not. It's got everything connected with the history of Derry City Football Club.

"On the back of the lockdown I think everyone is just so excited to be back playing football again and there's nothing better than going out to the Brandywell and playing in a competitive game.

"We know it's going to be different because the supporters aren't there but we also understand the supporters will be watching the game.

"Not having our fans in the stadium is a big blow; everybody knows what this place is like when it’s rocking, but the players are aware that thanks to the streaming service, the people that they represent will be backing them from their homes and we will be mindful of that.

"I spoke to the players about this. Our players go out to the shop or go out for food with their family and they're meeting Derry fans. That won't change.

"There's still 100,000 people in this city who are going to have an opinion. They will judge your performance on what they see.

"There will be social media where people will voice their opinions about every individual, myself included.

"So come Friday night there will be a lot of thoughts and opinions about every individual in a red and white shirt. That's football - that's what we want.

"Yes, we don't have the crowd or the roar but what we do have is a point to prove everytime we step on to the pitch and we want our fans talking about us in a positive way.

"We want them to think it's money well spent when they invest in watching a Derry game.

"We want to impress our people and have an identity about us which is an aggressive, attacking style of play.

"That won't always be the case so we will have to dig in and fight for everything.

"It will be a difficult game but I don't see any easy games this season. With just 13 or 14 league games everyone is going to be fighting to pick up points.

"There's going to be highs and lows - that's the nature of football but we have to work to our strengths and nullify our mistakes and I'll be happy."

“This league is competitive enough as it is with just ten teams, but everybody will look to be on the front foot straight away as there won’t be much time to make up any lost ground.”