Gavin Dykes hopes to keep his Derry City team in the top flight

Having avoided automatic relegation by winning at Waterford United on Sunday, Derry continue their fight for survival in the play-offs on Wednesday.

They meet Limerick City in the semi-finals, the first leg taking place at the Pike Rovers ground with the return at Brandywell on Saturday.

If Derry see off Limerick, they will play Finn Harps or Bray Wanderers with the winner securing the Premier place.

Derry would already be in the First Division by now if they had failed to beat Waterford at the Regional Sports Centre at the weekend.

"We are in the play-offs on merit having taken seven points from our last three games," said Dykes.

"All we are thinking about now is beating Limerick, getting into the final and retaining our place in the Premier Division."

Sean Hargan is not available for Derry because of suspension while Sean Friars and Liam Coyle are still out injured.

Peter Hutton and Gary Beckett are doubtful because of ankle injuries.

Eircom League promotion/relegation play-offs

Semi-finals first legs (Wednesday)
Finn Harps v Bray Wanderers (2000 GMT)
Limerick v Derry City (1400)

Semi-finals second legs (Saturday)
Bray Wanderers v Finn Harps (1945)
Derry City v Limerick (1930)

Final first leg (10 December)
Finn Harps/Bray Wanderers v Limerick/Derry City