Ruaidhrí Higgins: 'We want to get ourselves into a play-off'

None

Derry City must overturn a one-goal first leg deficit on Thursday night when they welcome Tobol Kostanay to Tallaght Stadium in the Europa Conference League – but Ruaidhrí Higgins is not afraid of the task that lies in front of them.

The Candystripes were perhaps unfortunate to leave Kazakhstan last week with a defeat following Roman Asrankulov’s stunning strike, but they have taken confidence from their display into their ‘home’ second-leg.

Due to Uefa guidelines the fixture will be played in Tallaght despite a last-ditch attempt to get the fixture moved to Belfast’s Windsor Park. 

The Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium does not meet the criteria to hold games at this stage of the competition.

That means Derry’s support must make the six-hour round trip to the capital with a place in Europa Conference League play-off round on the line – and their boss Higgins is raring to go for the second leg. 

“It is a game to be really excited about and we have given ourselves a real platform to go and qualify,” he said.

“The first leg went exactly as we expected it to go. They had a high press, were aggressive and played on the front foot. Their front three are really talented footballers and have a specific way of playing. 

“I felt that we nullified a lot of their threats and stuck to our principles. After 15 minutes or so we settled into our rhythm and I thought it was a good performance away from home.

“It doesn’t matter if we get the first goal in the 5th minute or the 85th minute. It’s not overly important to score early as long as we score. We have the players with a cutting edge and in form – that gives us a real chance.”

While Derry City must up sticks and move the second leg to Dublin, they do at least enjoy going to play there.



Earlier this season they became the first team in almost two years to beat Shamrock Rovers at the venue in a domestic game – while they have also turned in a string of impressive displays at the venue previously.

“We enjoy going to Tallaght Stadium,” Higgins stressed. “It’s a big pitch and the players love going there and playing their footballers. Hopefully they can make the most of that and that’s something to really look forward to.”

In terms of team news for Thursday’s game, Derry are expected to remain without long-term absentees Ciaron Harkin and Colm Whelan. 

New recruit Sam Todd is also still out while Patrick McEleney and Cameron Dummigan may start on the bench.

But Derry have a deep squad and Higgins will be keen to use it fully as they seek to create their own bit of club history.



“It would not only be brilliant for the players and staff, but for the football club as a whole (if we qualify),” he added.

“There is a real buzz around the place at the moment and the public are getting behind us. 

“But we don’t want to just go out and tick a box. We want to get ourselves into a play-off.” 

About Andrew Dempsey

View Full Profile