Kenny says Derry deserve respect

Live on BBC Radio Foyle Turner's Cross Friday, 18 November Kick-off: 1945 GMT

Derry City may be on the verge of clinching the Eircom League title but manager Stephen Kenny believes they have yet to get proper recognition.

A draw against second-placed Cork City would be enough to secure the Premier Division for Derry in Kenny's first full season as manager.

"I feel some of our players haven't got the respect they deserve," said Kenny.

"Perhaps the only way to get that respect is to go on and finish the job next week against Cork."

Derry's 2-0 win over St Patrick's Athletic at the Brandywell on Saturday night put them a point ahead of title rivals Cork.

They now face each other in a winner-takes-all showdown at Turner's Cross on Friday night.

"Going to Cork for a title decider has been our aim for some time," added Kenny who joined Derry in August 2004, three weeks after being sacked by Dublin club Bohemians.

"There was a lot of despondency around a couple of weeks ago when we lost to Waterford.

"But we have responded in the right way, scoring seven goals and conceding none.

"We look strong in defence at the minute and hopefully we can take that into next week."