General
- Monday September 2nd, 2013 @ 15:27
Derry-Pats Team News
The Saints travel to the Brandywell to face Derry City in their rescheduled clash with Declan Devine's side as they look to reclaim top spot in the Airtricity League (kick-off 7.45pm, live Setanta Ireland).
Following last Friday's draw with Dublin rivals Bohemians, the Saints will be looking to return to winning ways, while Derry will be trying to bounce back from a 4-1 defeat to Cork City in Turner's Cross.
Ahead of Tuesday's game, rescheduled due to Derry's recent involvement in the Europa League against Trabzonspor, Buckley told stpatsfc.com that while he and his side expect a tough game in the Brandywell, they travel in good spirits and are looking to get the result which will reclaim top spot.
“Friday's result against Bohemians was a little bit disappointing, but you know we're still in the mix. Every game between now and the end of the season is important and the result the other night now means the competition amongst all the teams and for European places is hotting up. So we're looking forward to Tuesday's game, we can go back into first place if we get a result so the lads are eager to get playing again,” Buckley commented.
In team news, Buckley has a full squad to select from, with John Russell having returned to training having been on the sidelines with an ankle injury. Elsewhere, Saints' skipper Conor Kenna is on course for his 100th league appearance for the club should he play in Tuesday's clash.
For Waterford born Daryl Kavanagh, Tuesday's game against Derry City represents a chance for the side to bounce back from last Friday's draw with a win as he looks to add to his first goal for the club having netted last Friday against Bohemians.
Kavanagh, who spoke to stpatsfc.com about his first league goal for the club since netting against Drogheda United in August 2011, is under no illusions that the players will face a stern test as they aim to return to winning ways.
“It was a disappointing result on Friday and everyone was a bit down but we've to go to Derry now and get a result. I think we created a lot more chances in the first half against Bohs. Second half we didn't come out and play with the same tempo as we did in the first and I think that let ourselves down.”
“I was happy with the goal on Friday, but ultimately the main aim is to get the 3 points at home. So we'll go to Derry and try and repeat our first half performance. We'll just have to push on now, and work extra hard up in Derry to get the 3 points.”
