Derry goalkeeper named in Airtricity squad

And talented teenager Patrick McEleney has made the stand-by list.

As for Doherty he was thrilled with the call-up.

"All my mates are Man United fans and they are all going to the match, so I'm absolutely made up to be in the squad," he explained after Friday night's win over Salthill Devon.

"I got the phone call earlier on from Stephen (Kenny) telling me I was named in the squad and I'm over the moon.

"I wish there had have been another couple of boys called up because we have been doing well and I just hope Patrick can get in there as well, I know someone will have to drop out, but it would be great to see him in the squad too.

"Personally I'm absolutely over the moon to be representing Derry, everyone in the town and everyone at the club, to be honest it means the world to me."

Damien Richardson today (Friday) named the 18-man squad for the match that will be played on Wednesday, August 4th.

The Airtricity Challenge, which sees an Airtricity League XI take on one of the biggest clubs in world football, will be the first football match at the new Aviva Stadium. Richardson has named an 18-man squad for the match and has put seven players on the stand-by list.

Announcing his squad, Richardson said he was looking forward to playing his part in the historic opening of the new home of Irish football:

"August 4th is a big day for Irish football. The opening of the new stadium is hugely important for the development of the game and I am delighted that the Airtricity League will be central to such an historic occasion.

"I have selected a strong squad for the match against Manchester United. There is plenty of talent in the Airtricity League and I faced a difficult decision in reducing the numbers down to 18.

"I am very much looking forward to getting out on the training ground with the players as we prepare to represent the Airtricity League against such a big club as Manchester United."

Tickets for the Airtricity Challenge are on sale through fai.ie and are priced €45 and €60.

Airtricity League squad Gary Rogers (St. Patrick's Athletic); Gerard Doherty (Derry City); Brian Shelley (Bohemians); Ger O'Brien (Sporting Fingal); Ken Oman (Bohemians); Gavin Peers (Sligo Rovers); Conor Powell (Bohemians); Conor Kenna (St. Patrick's Athletic); Paul Keegan (Bohemians); Shaun Williams (Sporting Fingal); Alan Kirby (Sporting Fingal); Joseph Ndo (Sligo Rovers); Richie Ryan (Sligo Rovers); Stephen O'Donnell (Galway United); Killian Brennan (Bohemians); Paddy Madden (Bohemians); Karl Sheppard (Galway United); Ryan Guy (St. Patrick's Athletic). Stand-by list: Peter Cherrie (Dundalk); Alan Keane (Sligo Rovers); Patrick McEleney (Derry City); Dave Mulcahy (St. Patrick's Athletic); Ciaran Kilduff (UCD); Padraig Amond (Sligo Rovers); Fahrudin Kudozovic (Dundalk).