Shiels determined to claim three important points v Limerick

Kenny Shiels believes the way his side went about their business on Saturday night away to Sligo, where they earned a valuable point, will increase their chances of getting a win against Limerick ahead of tonight’s crucial game at Maginn Park. (KO 7.45pm)

The Candystripes are without a win in all competitions in their last five matches, but getting a point at the Showgrounds stopped the run of defeats and could put them on track to move up the table once again. 

“It gives us a wee bit of a drive and impetus to go and try and get a victory now because that would be a move in right direction,” Shiels said.

Shiels admitted he studied Limerick earlier in the season when they were under the management of Martin Russell, but he doesn’t believe they have changed their style of play too much now that they are under new management.

“There have been a few tweaks that he (Willie Boland) has made, not a massive change, but there been changes,” Shiels explained.

The two sides were originally meant to play each other in March, but floodlight failure caused the game to be abandoned, a game that was level before the sudden malfunction after 24 minutes.

The Candystripes can’t afford any more slip-ups if they are to keep in touch with their target of another European place this season before their stadium at the Brandywell re-opens for next year's campaign, but Shiels is under no illusions about their opposition ahead of tomorrow night. 

“We want to get three points tonight and that’ll not be easy,” Shiels explained. “ As you know Limerick are a good team and they are talking about re-investment and we want to try and put our stamp on the game.” 

Shiels also confirmed that Barry McNamee is in contention for tomorrow night’s game, but Aaron McEneff is likely to miss the game through injury.

“Aaron McEneff is out, he will probably be out, not many others, but Barry McNamee is in contention to come back for the game.”