National League Promotion-relegation play-off, first legHaving led Derry City into the Premier Division 16 years ago, Finn Harps manager Noel King has high hopes of condemning the club to First Division football next season.

And while the Dubliner openly admits he would take little satisfaction from such a feat, he made it clear that his loyalties these days lie with Ballybofey and not with the Brandywell.

The north-west clubs go head-to-head in two matches over the next five days with so much at stake, the first game kicking-off tonight at Finn Park (kick-off: 8.0).

"I've experienced some great times at Derry City, none more so than leading the club into the Premier Division in 1987. However, my priorities these days are with Finn Harps and, without doubt, this is the biggest test this club has faced for years," said King.

But while the statistics weigh heavily in favour of the men from the Brandywell - Derry having lost just one league game against their Donegal neighbours since 1985 - King was not concerned about previous records.

And happy to play the psychological game, the Dubliner was adamant all the pressure was on Gavin Dykes's men.

"They are the Premier Division side. They play better opposition than we do on a weekly basis and the fact they have never been relegated simply heaps the pressure on Derry City," claimed the Harps boss.

"Over a two-legged tie the possibility of a shock result in a one-off game has been removed, Derry will be everyone's favourites and that suits Finn Harps just fine," concluded King, who can boast a suspension and injury-free squad for tonight's game.

Derry, on the other hand, do have difficulties, with both Ciarán Martyn and Michael Holt suspended for the first leg and midfielder Gareth McGlynn is also considered a doubt.

"Gareth felt a twinge in his groin when we played in Limerick and when we trained before last Saturday's game against them at the Brandywell, he felt it again," said Dykes.

"We opted to take him out of the team which won 4-0 on Saturday and while the few days' rest will have done him good, I can't confirm at this stage if he will play or not," added Dykes.

However, Derry favourite Liam Coyle returned to the bench against Limerick, playing for the final 10 minutes, and the 35-year-old will be included in the party which makes the short trip to Ballybofey.

The second leg will be played at the Brandywell on Saturday night at 7.30 p.m.