Peter Hutton will be expecting a tough test in tonight’s Europan League second round qualifying tie against an FC Shakhtyor Salihorsk side who come to Brandywell having won four of their last five games (kick off 7.45pm).
Being a “seeded” side, the Belorussians got a bye into the second round and are currently sitting third in their Premier League, behind Dinamo Minsk and BATE Borisov.
The side have picked up 29 points after 17 games and their recent record is impressive, with four wins and one loss in their last five, the defeat coming away to league leaders Dinamo Minsk.
Shakhtyor boast an experienced team featuring Belorussian, Georgian and Estonian international amongst their ranks and qualified for this season’s Europa Cup by virtue of winning the Belorussian Cup last season.
Birthday boy: Rory Patterson.
On the playing field, City will welcome back defenders Cliff Byrne and Ryan McBride who return after their domestic suspension.
Dean Jarvis, who was forced off with an injury at the weekend, remains a doubt.
In midfield, the in-form Patrick McEleney is likely to be joined by McNamee, Duffy, Molloy and Timlin.
Upfront Rory Patterson, who turned 30 yesterday, will be looking for a belated birthday present.
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