Derry need to produce goals

After draws against Bohemians and Cork City at the Brandywell in recent weeks, Gavin Dykes will be hoping his side can secure…

After draws against Bohemians and Cork City at the Brandywell in recent weeks, Gavin Dykes will be hoping his side can secure their second home win of the season against Waterford United this evening.

Goals remain a major problem for Derry City, who have found the net just five times in eight games.

Dykes must wait once more to see if Alan Murphy can shake off the hamstring problem that has left him struggling since the move from Galway United was finally completed.

The striker had looked to be nearing full fitness in recent weeks, but, having come on as a substitute in last week's defeat by Longford, his hamstring has reportedly tightened again during training over the past few nights.

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Conor O'Grady (ankle), Ciaran Kelly (thigh) and Eddie McCallion (hamstring) are also doubts for the game.

But Gerry Gill returns from international duty with the Ireland Under-18s and is likely to feature amongst the City replacements.

Waterford arrive at the Brandywell looking to build on some fine, early-season form, something that has been marred only by the 4-0 defeat they suffered against Shamrock Rovers at Tolka Park a couple of weeks back.

Manager Alan Reynolds is without Kevin O'Brien (thigh) and Wayne Fitzgerald (ankle) for the match, while Mark Clifford (hamstring) faces a late fitness test.

Emmet Malone

Emmet Malone

Emmet Malone is Work Correspondent at The Irish Times