Derry City manager Ruahidhri Higgins
And City are feeling optimistic as they return to Dublin for a second time in a week.
Manager Ruaidhri Higgins is looking for his side to build on their victory in UCD and is well aware that the Foylesiders have a more than decent record in Dalymount.
“It’s been a fairly happy hunting ground for us right back to my own days as a player but none of that will count for much on Friday” he said.
“I thought they were very unlucky to come out of their last game against Shamrock Rovers with nothing. They were excellent in that and deserved far more.
“They have brilliant attacking options, as good as anything in the league in some areas. We have to be on our guard and be ready for that and try to stamp our own authority on the game.”
Eoin Toal is edging towards fitness but is likely to miss this game. Ronan Boyce, Cameron Dummigan, Michael Duffy and Ciaron Harkin all remain unavailable.
The City boss also confirmed that work was ongoing to try to freshen the squad up during the July transfer window.
“It was never going to be wholesale changes but we are working hard to bring one or two new faces in over the coming weeks.”
“Like many clubs, doing business in this window can often be difficult, but we are definitely working on it.”
Keith Long has seen enough from his Bohemians team since the start of the second half of the season to believe they can climb up the table.
Since the short mid-season break they have beaten Shelbourne 1-0 but lost to Shamrock Rovers by the same scoreline at Tallaght Stadium last week.
Long said: “Last week, we were disappointed not to come away with something from Tallaght.
“Our performance deserved more but a slow start to the second half cost us and we left frustrated having conceded a goal from a set play in what was an otherwise positive team display.
“Derby games are normally won by the odd goal and games are very often defined by small margins. Teams will punish those moments and we must learn from Friday in order to grind out results in tight games.”
As well as the injured James Talbot (shoulder) and Grant Horton (knee), Long will have to do without his three new arrivals – Ryan Burke, Josh Kerr and John O’Sullivan – despite the transfer window opening tomorrow.
Long added: “Unfortunately, we are unable to call upon any of our recent signings due to an association rule that only allows players to be registered 24 hours after the transfer window opens.
“It is unfortunate that July 1 lands today (Friday) and it is deeply frustrating not to have the lads available for selection despite having all the necessary paperwork ready in advance of the window.”
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