A SUSPENSION for an accumulation of four yellow cards means Danny North kicks his heels on the sidelines tonight as leaders Sligo Rovers travel to face Derry City at the Brandywell. Englishman North’s 14 league goals this season is one of the chief reasons Ian Baraclough’s side are staring at their first title since 1977 as they sit four points clear at the top of the table.

“It’s going really well for me.,” said North, yesterday named the Airtricity/Soccer Writers’ Association of Ireland player of the month for June. “If they didn’t take away the goal I got against Monaghan, then I’d have equalled what I got for St Pat’s last year, and we’re only halfway through the season. It’s always nice to get a bit of recognition when you are doing well. Obviously, the main award is whether you win the league at the end of the season.”

Just who may do that tonight is Baraclough’s dilemma as, apart from North, the team’s highest scorers in the league this season are central defenders Jason McGuinness and Gavin Peers with two each. With interest from across the channel, Baraclough has a longer-term issue with regard to holding on to his striker. “If someone comes in for me, then I’ll have to look at that,” said North. I’ve still got a few months left on my deal and they have offered me another year, so we’ll see what happens there.”

McGuinness returns tonight following a hamstring injury but Reserve goalkeeper Richard Brush is out with cracked ribs. Recent signing Ryan Connolly comes into the squad for the first time.

With four home defeats this season, the Brandywell is Derry’s fortress no more. Injuries continue to hamper manager Declan Devine’s team. Central defender Stewart Greacen, midfielder Kevin Deery and strikers Rory Patterson and Mark Farren remain injured while Barry Molloy and Paddy McEleney need to prove their fitness. To add to Devine’s selection problems, suspension deprives him of arguably his best player this season in winger Stephen McLaughlin along with right-back Simon Madden. New signings Marc Brolly and Conor Murphy come into the reckoning.

Assistant manager, Darius Kearns, takes temporary charge of financially-desperate Dundalk for the visit of Shamrock Rovers to Oriel Park following the club’s parting of the ways with manager Seán McCaffrey by “mutual understanding” yesterday. “Many of my plans and initiatives unfortunately could not be realised at the club in an appropriate timeframe, and due to this I feel it is best we go our separate ways,” said McCaffrey in a statement.

Top scorer Michael Rafter needs to shake off an ankle knock if he is to start. Goalkeeper Ger Hanley and defender Luke Danville remain out while midfielder Peter Thomas is suspended.

Pat Sullivan’s registration has finally come through from Australia and he may come straight into the Rovers side at right-back. Midfielder Stephen O’Donnell returns from suspension but Graham Gartland is now banned. Striker Aaron Greene is out with a knee injury.

Bray Wanderers have suspensions to central defenders Adam Mitchell and captain Danny O’Connor. Dave Webster (knee) and Seán Houston (thigh) are also sidelined.

Suspension deprives Shelbourne of left-back Barry Clancy while key midfielder Glenn Cronin and defender Ian Ryan remain out injured.