Caretaker manager Maurice O'Driscoll will continue in his role as for this evening's Setanta Sports Cup fixture against Derry City at the Brandywell (7.45pm) with Pete beginning his new role from Wednesday.

St. Pat's CEO, Richard Sadlier, said: "I'm delighted to have a man of Pete's experience in charge of the team at this point in the season.

"Hopefully he can make an immediate impact, beginning with this Friday's game at home against Cork City."

The Saints will be missing injury victims Gareth O'Connor, Jamie Harris and Andy Harron for tonight's game while a doubt concerns the fitness of defender David Partridge.

City, meanwhile, will be without Gareth McGlynn (shoulder), Sammy Morrow (ankle), Kevin Deery (knee), and James McLean (thigh).