Derry City manager Stephen Kenny has heaped praise on Linfield skipper Noel Bailie, prior to their Setanta Sports Cup encounter, at the Brandywell this evening.

The Dubliner feels the Blues veteran centre-back (right) is everything, which is good about the Windsor Park men.

“Both Linfield and Derry City have two outstanding captains in Noel Bailie and Peter Hutton,” admitted the Derry boss.

“Noel Bailie has something like 950 appearance s for Linfield, although I don’t know all of Linfield’s history, he must be one of their most outstanding captains in their history, one of their most successful.

“The thing about Bailie which is really impressive is the way he carries himself, he’s a very impressive person.

“Bailie signifies what is good about Linfield. He’s a very, very impressive character and is also a very good captain.”

Kenny also paid tribute to his own skipper and is disappointed that Hutton is missing tonight’s clash through injury.

“Peter Hutton has been Derry’s most successful captain in our history and it unfortunate that Peter isn’t playing but I think you won’t see them likes of them again,” added Kenny.

The Blues know going into this game that they probably need to secure maximum points, as both Glentoran and St Patrick’s Athletic, who face each other at the Oval, are waiting in the wings to reach the last four.

As for the Candystripes they have already booked their place in the semi-final, but Kenny still wants to finish in top spot. A draw at worst would mean that’s exactly were they would end up.

“I think the main thing for us is to win the group, so a draw is a decent result,” declared Kenny.

“There is no point on us beating Linfield and then losing the semi-final which is the main thing for us.”