NORTH WEST rivals Derry City and Sligo Rovers are set to clash in an intriguing EA SPORTS Cup semi-final at the Brandywell on Tuesday night.

Holders Sligo will visit record cup winners Derry in a last four tie that will produce a side to face Cork City in the final on September 24.

Paul Cook's Sligo have John Russell back from suspension after he missed the 1-0 win over UCD in the Premier Division last Saturday.

Alan Keane is out with a thigh injury but it is hoped he will return at the weekend to face Monaghan United in the FAI Cup.

Joseph Ndo suffered a dead leg against the Students but he should be able to take his place in the squad.

Bit O'Red manager Cook said: “Semi-finals are always massive occasions. We have fantastic memories of this competition from last season and we’re very keen to reach the final again. Derry are on a fantastic run and last week’s win over Bohemians showed what a good side they are.

“It was important for us to win last Saturday and we can focus on the cup competitions now. We have had some good results against Derry City this season but it doesn’t make it any easier. We’ll be in for a hard night but the players will be giving everything to reach the final.”

Derry City will look to Ryan McBride, David McDaid, Ruairi Harkin, James Henry and Emmet Friars with Matthew Harkin added to the squad as Stewart Greacen ,Kevin Deery and Eamon Zayed are out through suspension.

To compound matters, the Candystripes have doubts over Gerard Doherty (knee) while Gareth McGlynn is still out through a knee injury. 

City boss Stephen Kenny said: "The game should be quite open with both teams attacking looking for the win."