Ruaidhri Higgins 'could return' for tomorrow's game against Shamrock Rovers

Alan Reynolds believes that Ruaidhri Higgins could be back in the dug-out for tomorrow’s President’s Cup game against Shamrock Rovers. Kick off 7:45pm.

The Derry City boss was absent for the Billy Kee Memorial Cup game against Institute on Monday night past due to the tragic death of his brother Kevin at his home in Sweden at the weekend. Higgins spoke with the players before the game at the Brandywell on Monday night before flying out to Sweden with other members of his family, while Reynolds and Conor Loughrey took charge of team affairs.

There was no date set on Higgins’ return, but Reynolds believes that the boss could be back tomorrow night, for a hugely anticipated game against the league champions.

“I think the boss will be back on Friday and back at some stage next week as well,” he stated. “Whenever he is ready to come in; he’s been missed around the place so hopefully he’s back soon. Everyone has obviously felt it with the passing of Ruaidhri’s brother, and it has been really, really difficult.”

In the manager’s absence, Derry City recorded a comfortable 4-0 win over Institute on Monday night, although Reynolds still believes the performance was lacking in intensity because of the news regarding Kevin Higgins.

“It was a really good run out,” he reflected. “It has been a really difficult week. The lads naturally were a little bit flat, and it felt like that in the performance. It’s another 90 minutes and it’s another game under our belt, but it will be different come Friday. I’ve watched Rovers twice recently and we’ll need to be at it come Friday, and hopefully we will.

“Everyone is suffering and in fairness (Ruaidhri) came in and spoke to the players before it. We’re all determined to be in the right place when he’s ready to come back. It’s been a tough week and I think it showed a bit in the performance, but that’s natural.”

‘No hiding place’

Reynolds can’t wait for tomorrow’s game against champions Rovers, insisting it is the perfect test for his team.

“There will no hiding place come Friday,” he stressed. “I’m delighted we have that game. We need it to be up to speed in the league. There will be no hiding place and if we’re not at it we’ll get turned over. We know that so we’ll have to make sure well get our work done so by the time the game comes, we’re ready to go.”

Patrick McEleney and Cameron McJannet face late fitness tests before tomorrow night’s game, but Cameron Dummigan misses out through injury.

Meanwhile, reports in Dublin suggest that the Candystripes are set to boost their squad with the arrival of two on-loan signings in the coming days.  

Ipswich Town right-winger Matt Ward, who played and scored against Institute on Monday night, made his first team debut for the Tractor Boys in their FA Cup win against Buxton back in November, and the 19-year-old is set to go on loan for first team football elsewhere.

The other is Ireland Under 21 international Ollie O’Neill, whose last gasp winning goal against Sweden 15 months ago was key to Ireland reaching the Euro 2023 play-offs. A team mate of Brian Maher on the international stage, the 20-year-old is currently on the books at English Premiership side Fulham.

It would take the number of new signings at the club to six, following Colm Whelan, Tadhg Ryan, Ben Doherty and Adam O’Reilly with the new league season beginning away at St. Patrick’s Athletic next Friday.