Dundalk FC will "be giving everything", against Derry, says boss
The Lilywhites welcome Derry City to Oriel Park tonight for league encounter
Dundalk FC host Derry City in the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division tie at Oriel Park tonight. Kick-off at 7.45pm.
The Lilywhites aim to finish the first half of the campaign on a positive note after last week's draw with Drogheda United in the Louth derby.
In team news for Dundalk, Harvey Warren has been ruled out after suffering a hamstring injury.
Daryl Horgan and Ronan Teahan will both be assessed ahead of kick-off, while JR Wilson returns from suspension.
Mayowa Animasahun, Conor O'Keeffe, Vinnie Leonard, Norman Garbett and Conor Kearns remain unavailable.
Speaking to the official club website ahead of the game, manager Ciarán Kilduff said, “Everyone can see it week in, week out — this is a competitive league where any side, on any given night, is capable of beating anyone else.
“We experienced that ourselves against Shamrock Rovers. The stage was set, we put in a good performance, and we got the result we felt our display deserved.
“Tonight is our third meeting with Derry City this season. On both previous occasions, we felt we gave a good account of ourselves — a 2-2 draw up at their place, followed by a 2-2 in the return fixture.
“Two close games that tell you what to expect this evening. There shouldn't be much between the sides, and we'll need to stick to what we do well: getting on the front foot, making Oriel a difficult place to come, and feeding off the support of our crowd.
“Dropping a point in last week's local derby was a little disappointing, particularly as we were leading in the game.
“We didn't quite hit the same levels in the second half as we did in the first, and that's something we're looking to put right.
“We're now at the halfway point of the season and satisfied with where we are — but you don't get anything for half a good season.
“There's a long way to go, plenty of big games ahead, and it starts tonight.
“The mid-season break is coming, and while it's a useful opportunity to rest and regroup, you want to go into it off the back of a good result. We'll be giving everything to make sure that's the case."