Shamrock Rovers boss Stephen Bradley says he's expecting a "tough game" at Derry City this evening.

The Candystripes prop up the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division having lost their first three games.

But Bradley says the results don't tell the full story and insists the reigning champions will have to be at their best to win at the Brandywell in the quarter-to-eight kick-off.

"It's going to be a tough game," the Hoops boss said. "I think the results don't tell the full story.

"I watched their game against Waterford and in my opinion they were the better team. They created a lot of good chances.

"I was at the game against St Pat's on Friday and right up until the sending off there was very little in the game and Derry actually had the better chances until the sending off, which completely changed the game.

"They were playing well so I think the results can be a little false. I've no doubt that they'll be ready to go and try and win the game against us so we've got to be ready for that.

"It's great that we have a game midweek in quick succession but it's important that the squad is ready because we're going to need every player between now and the end of the season to be competitive in all competitions. So using the squad is going to be really important."