Ruaidhri Higgins fully behind his players

Dundalk vs. Derry City

Oriel Park

Today, 3pm

Oriel Park would not be the first choice of venue for any manager looking for a much-needed win, but for Ruaidhri Higgins, it could be the perfect opportunity for his players.

Rather than feel deflated over recent performances and results, the Derry City manager has come out fighting this week, acknowledging the inescapable whilst reiterating his belief that it will all change quickly again.

With Cameron Dummigan, Michael Duffy, Mark Connolly and Colm Whelan all nearing returns, the Derry City manager will have his strongest squad yet available in the coming weeks, and that, he feels, will only lead to better things on the pitch. 

In the meantime, a victory at Oriel Park would lift everyone.

“Pat’s were getting criticised earlier in the season and they have now put a good run together and Shamrock Rovers were the same and they have put a good run together,” Higgins pointed out. “Ourselves and Dundalk have hit a wee sticky period and we know it’s a results business, and we know it comes with the territory.

“It's a difficult venue. We drew twice down there last year. We were winning going into the 93rd minute in one of those and they got a late equaliser so we know it’s a tough place to go and we know what to expect. We’ll go down there and fight and do whatever we can to bring the three points back up the road.”

In quite unusual circumstances, Derry City head to Oriel hoping to avoid a third successive league defeat, whilst hosts Dundalk are hoping to avoid a fourth successive league defeat. Since both teams drew at the Brandywell last month, their form has gone downhill at a rapid rate.

“We’re both having a difficult spell,” Higgins acknowledged. “I’m sure it will be a very tight encounter. Both teams will be trying to get points on the board and we’ll do everything we can to do that. They are an excellent team but they are just going through a period that every team goes through in a season.”

“The players are working extremely hard and while the results over the weekend weren’t ideal, they are working hard and if they keep doing that on a daily basis, then your wee bit of luck will turn. There is no getting away from a few decisions which have gone against us and cost us but we still need to do more to win those games and hopefully we can show that on Sunday.

Cameron McJannet will be available after suspension with City heading to County Louth hoping for a rare, but crucial victory.

 “We’ll go down there with a really steely determination,” Higgins promised. “I’ve never been more confident with a group of players in my life than what I am with these players. Once we get everyone up and running we’re going to be a hard team to beat, that’s for sure.”