A tough trip for Derry

Pyunik (0) v Derry City (0): Though the scoreless draw they managed at the Brandywell last week has Pyunik in the driving seat…

Pyunik (0) v Derry City (0):Though the scoreless draw they managed at the Brandywell last week has Pyunik in the driving seat ahead of this evening's second leg in Yerevan, Derry City striker Sammy Morrow believes the fact the Armenian champions have to come out and play gives John Robertson's side much reason for optimism.

However, the logistics of the trip, which saw Derry endure an exhausting 18-hour journey via Heathrow and Prague before encountering visa difficulties on entry to Yerevan, have scarcely helped. Derry didn't get to their hotel until 7am local time yesterday morning while the temperature in Yerevan has reached 40 degrees.

With Sean Hargan and, crucially, given his attacking flair, Pat McCourt returning well rested having missed Saturday's match at Bohemians because of suspension, Derry should be close to full strength. Robertson is likely to deploy a 4-5-1 formation with McCourt given a free role in behind a lone striker, either Morrow or Mark Farren.

DERRY CITY(probable): Jennings; McCallion, Kelly, Oman, Hargan; McHugh, Martyn, Molloy, Brennan; McCourt; Farren/Morrow.

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