Derry City v Drogheda Utd (Fri)

Stephen Kenny's Derry are four points behind leaders Bohemians

Mark McChrystal and Ciaran Martyn join the list of unavailable Derry City players for Friday's League of Ireland home clash against Drogheda United.

McChrystal sustained a fractured cheekbone in last week's defeat in Dundalk while Martyn is suspended.

Kevin Deery and Liam Kearney remain out because of injury while Barry Molloy is unlikely to be risked despite returning to training on Thursday after injury.

On the plus side, Gareth McGlynn and Clive Delaney return after suspension.

Despite last week's defeat, Derry remain second in the League of Ireland table - four points behind Bohemians - after Cork were beaten at home by St Pat's on Tuesday.

Manager Stephen Kenny is demanding that his players regroup after the disappointing display in the 1-0 reverse at Oriel Park.

"We had a setback last week. It wasn't good enough on the day," acknowledged the Candystripes boss.

"They physically overpowered us and won all the aerial battles but we can't let that derail us.

"We must bounce back from it and show that we are made of sterner stuff than that."

After occupying bottom position in the table in the early part of the season, Drogheda have produced improved form of late to move above Bray.

Kenny saw the Drogs drew 2-2 at Sligo last weekend and he is expecting a tough test against a club that were League of Ireland champions as recently as two seasons ago.

Since then, like a number of League of Ireland clubs, Drogheda have been hit by financial problems but Kenny points out that their recent revival has included a win over Cork.

"They are unbeaten in four or five games and have climbed off the bottom and are doing well. We'll have to play well," added the Derry manager.

Friday's match starts off a busy 10 days for the Candystripes with the club's Europa League opener away to Skonto Riga taking place next Thursday, followed by a possible top-of-the-table clash against Bohemians in Dublin three days later.