Derry City know that they have to come out firing on Thursday if they are to beat CSKA Sofia and reach the next round of qualifying in the Europa League.

 

The Candystripes put up a brave effort in the first leg, which they lost 1-0, but have home advantage for the second leg and that could be a big factor in deciding this tie.

 

Manager Stephen Kenny is without Mark McChrystal, Sammy Morrow, and Liam Kearney, although he does have captain Peter Hutton available again as well as plenty of options in midfield.

 

Kenny actually has a selection headache ahead of the match as he needs to decide which players he wants to command his midfield - Gareth McGlynn, Kevin Deery, Barry Molloy, and Thomas Stewart are the likely candidates.

 

"Our players must produce the game of their lives if we are to cause a major shock," said Kenny.

 

"We are facing a formidable team with a great pedigree in European football and we'll simply have to be at our best if we're to have any chance."

 

CSKA remain wary of their Irish opponents and their manager Luboslav Penev is expecting a tough game when his team trot out onto the pitch at The Brandywell.