McDaid enjoying his football in Derry
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David McDaid wants to win medals with Derry City. The Candystripes are chasing success in two competitions; the Premier Division and EA Sports Cup.
On Saturday evening they take on Cork City in the EA Sports Cup Final and it’s a chance to claim their first piece of silverware this season.
Speaking to extratime.ie he said, “It’s brilliant with the cup final coming up and the league is exciting too. There is a lot to look forward to. I want to win a lot of medals with Derry.”
After going up as First Division champions, Derry have surpassed everyone’s expectations this season. McDaid admitted the Derry City players had the belief in their ability. “The whole season has been like a rollercoaster. I don’t think anybody had total faith in us but we knew ourselves we’re a decent enough side and that we’d push for the league. The cup is a plus as well.”
Derry City should’ve been playing Shamrock Rovers in a top of the table clash this weekend but instead have a cup final to look forward to. It’s a welcome distraction for the players. “At the start of the year the league was the main thing, just to get a solid position. The cup has come along it’s another big game for us. We’re picking one game at a time. We’ve got the league cup final and a win there would give the whole team a boost and hopefully go on and win the league,” said McDaid.
Saturday is a new experience for many of the Derry City players but McDaid said they are delighted to have great professionals around them to offer advice. “A lot of players are playing in their first cup final; first year at senior football. We have a lot of experience there. Kevin (Deery), Ruaidhri (Higgins), Barry (Molloy), Ger Doherty and Eddie McCallion they’re all great pros. Every day in training they tell you what you are doing wrong and how to improve it. If you see something that they’re doing wrong they’d ask our advice too which is brilliant.”
The 20 year old is looking forward to Saturday’s game. He knows the First Division side will provide formidable opposition for the Candystripes. “It’s always a big game when we play Cork. They are two
teams that have been through a lot. It’s good that we are in the final of the league cup. There are two massive clubs. There is always a brilliant atmosphere in Cork for games. Both sets of supporters are very passionate.”
McDaid is delighted with the way the season has gone so far for Derry. He is enjoying his football and admits there is a great team spirit within the club. “There is a special bond there. Everybody is
very close. It’s a very good dressing-room. A lot of us grew up together. We all click together. It has been a brilliant season so far. I’m enjoying my football at the club.”
