Derry City v Cobh Ramblers (Fri)

Stephen Kenny's side have not won in five league games

Derry City manager Stephen Kenny is demanding an improved home display in Friday's Eircom Premier League clash against Cobh Ramblers (1945 BST).

Kenny was unhappy with the effort in the team's previous home clash against Galway which saw Derry drawing 0-0 with the league's basement club.

"We were a bit lacklustre in our last home game. I won't settle for that against Cobh," said Kenny.

Derry have slipped to third in the table after not winning in five games.

After the disappointing display against Galway, Derry showed a big improving in claiming a battling 1-1 draw against Shamrock Rovers at Tolka Park last weekend and Kenny wants similar application on Friday night.

The Derry boss acknowledges that his team, currently third in the table, will be expected to beat the Cork outfit, who are second from bottom in the table and 11 points behind the Candystripes.

"People will see this as a game we should win. But in fairness, Cobh have beaten Shamrock Rovers and they drew with Cork so they will make it tough.

"It's the kind of league where you can't discount anybody."

Kenny will have Clive Delaney available as his appeal against a two-match ban for his sending off in Bray will be heard next week.

I was very critical about the pitch earlier in the season but the groundstaff have done a tremendous job and now it's impeccable Stephen Kenny

Ciaran Martyn is also in contention for a return to the side as he has recovered from a groin injury.

However, Paddy McCourt, Sean Hargan and Sammy Morrow remain out because of injury.

Despite claiming only four points from their last five games, Kenny remains upbeat about how the campaign is progressing.

"Certain players are coming into the team and they have a bit of talent.

"Niall McGinn and Conor Sammon are very talented and they are still both under-21."

Kenny also believes that the return of players such as Morrow, McCourt and Kevin Deery in the coming weeks will boost his side's prospects.

The Derry boss added that the improvement in the Brandywell playing surface should help his team in the coming weeks.

"I was very critical about the pitch earlier in the season but the groundstaff have done a tremendous job and now it's impeccable."