O’Connor keen to give Derry a lift and do Dundalk a favour

Having put them out of the FAI Cup a couple of weeks ago, Cork City can deepen Derry’s City’s relegation concerns this evening at Turner’s Cross where the visitors should certainly possess as great a sense of urgency as John Caulfield’s side.

Amongst the Derry players is likely to be a young striker on loan from Dundalk, Ciarán O'Connor, who could do his hometown club a good turn and ensure he is well remembered around the Brandywell by helping Paul Hegarty's men to a win.

"Firstly I have to concentrate on keeping Derry up," says the 19-year-old who has two goals in five appearances since Stephen Kenny sent him out to get a bit of first team experience, "that's why I came here. But I can do Dundalk a favour as well. I'm just looking forward to the game really. I just have to concentrate on my own performance."

As it happens, it’s already been a week to remember for the teenage striker who, after a bit a campaign was run on his behalf, was voted onto the cover of the local edition of EA Sports’ Fifa 16 which was launched yesterday. With younger brother Michael, also a striker, having played for Dundalk in the Leinster Senior Cup semi-final win during the week, Ciarán admits the poll victory has provided a timely boost on the fraternal bragging rights front back at home.

“Jesus!” he says with a laugh, “he’s always at me saying he is going to take over from me. Now I can slag him, saying I’m on the front of Fifa, so he’ll have nothing to say to me anymore.”

Better shape

City are in better shape than they were for the cup replay they won but John Kavanagh and Colin Healy are out as the hosts look to make it seven straight wins against the Northerners.

Elsewhere, Galway United will be without Marc Ludden (suspension), Ryan Connolly (ankle), Alex Byrne (groin) and Jason Molloy (thigh) as they head to a Shamrock Rovers side hoping to rediscover a bit of form in the wake of Tuesday’s narrow defeat of Bray.

Bohemians will look to get back to winning ways in Drogheda where the home side will be without Jason Marks (suspension). Lee Duffy and Stephen Maher are both doubts as is Dave Mulcahy for the Dubliners, who have Keith Buckley suspended and Anto Murphy out injured.

In the First Division, meanwhile, it could be a very big night with Wexford Youths needing to match Finn Harps's result at home to UCD in their game at home to Athlone Town in order to be promoted as champions. If Shelbourne lose too then just all of the major issues could be resolved.