Silence and applause as Derry City remember Mark Farren

Tributes are to be paid to the late Derry City striker Mark Farren during two friendly games being played simultaneously by the Brandywell club tonight.

A minute’s silence is to be held the annual McKee Cup game against Institute at Drumahoe and at the game against an Inishowen Select at Maginn Park in Buncrana.

A minute’s applause will also be held in the 18th minute of both games in recognition of the number 18 jersey worn by the 33-year-old (pictured) during his time at the Brandywell.

The games will the first time that the Candy Stripes have been in action since the death of the club’s all time highest goalscorer who died last Wednesday after a lengthy battle against cancer.

A friendly game against Ballymena United, due to take place on Friday night last, was cancelled as a mark of respect.

City boss Kenny Shiels said the games were an opportunity for everyone at the club to show their appreciation to the late Greencastle man.

On the playing front, Shiels said he was eager for “each and every player” to get a full game under their belts.

He added: “We’re going to try and get all the players 90 minutes each if we can.

“It’s a good way to do it because we can all have the same preparation and recovery then the next day.

“Training has gone well and all the players are ready for 90 minutes. There are a couple of wee tweaks but nothing serious.”

One player who will miss tonights‘s games will be Scottish midfielder Harry Monaghan, who picked up a knock in training at the end of last week