PEERS IS DERRY EXCITED

GAVIN PEERS will give his all to make it back on to the European stage in the Brandywell this evening.

The veteran defender (above) is an injury doubt but sat out the last two games before the mid-season break to get his knee right for this crucial part of the campaign.

One of his motivations for joining Derry was to play in Europe again and the prospect of lining out at home to Dinamo Minsk is an hugely attractive one.

“It’s exciting, it’s been a couple of years since I’ve played in Europe and I’ve enjoyed every moment of it when I did,” said the Dubliner, who skippered Sligo Rovers on their Champions League debut in 2013. “It’s good to be back in it, especially at 32. Everything was geared last season to getting into Europe and there’s a good buzz around.

“We’re home first and they’re a very good team but you’re not going to get an easy draw in Europe.

“We don’t have to go all out, though, we’d take a 0-0 if it happened.

“All we can do is our best and hopefully we can turn our form around a bit.”

Derry have won just twice and lost five times in their last seven league outings.

Candystripes boss Kenny Shiels is without the influential Nicky

Low but has new signings Ally Roy, Aaron Splaine and Dean Shiels (inset) available.