DERRY CITY manager Kenny Shiels knows a victory on Friday over Bohemians and Europa League football for the next season is secured.
While Shiels is firmly focusing on achieving that, he also wants to finish his first season in charge in third spot, a place which they hold at the minute.
“In a nutshell if we beat Bohemians we are in Europe,” he said.
“All our energy this week particularly has been pointed towards that and we are going to go out with that attention and that dynamic to beat Bohemians and we can’t be any clearer than that. Look that’s what it’s all about, let’s go and win this match.
“With three games to go it’s in our control and that’s nice, but for us to keep it in our control we have to win, plus to keep third position in our control as well we need to win. But our first chapter is to get into Europe first and then to maintain third spot if we can.”
After last season’s disappointing campaign, Shiels really has come in and lifted the spirits at the Brandywell and if he manages to secure European football for next season and finish third in the league, it will be a good campaign.
“It has been a great season in terms of progress and I think most of the people can see that, there has been progress made so we got to now look at how we can continue to progress,” he added.
“If we can get that right then that will help us enormously, because if we can make a little bit more progress next year then hopefully it’s going to be a good season.”
City have defeated the Dubliners three times already - twice in the league and once in the FAI Cup - but Shiels is expecting a tough encounter on Friday evening.
“Bohs can finish in the top six and that’s their motivation, but they have been the form team this last few weeks and they are coming here with confidence,” he said.
“We have got too try and impose ourselves on the game to nullify any threats that maybe waiting for us.”
The Candystripes have virtually a full strength side to select from apart from long term injury victims Gareth McGlynn, Aaron Barry and Ryan McBride.
Elsewhere on Friday, the title race continues as leaders Dundalk, fresh from a win over contenders Cork City on Tuesday night, face Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium in front of the RTÉ cameras.
The Rebel army will be looking to bounce back from that Oriel Park defeat when they host Finn Harps, who themselves just need one more win to secure Premier Division survival.
Bray Wanderers entertain St Patrick's Athletic at the Carlisle Grounds, bottom side Longford Town travel to Sligo Rovers and Wexford Youths host Galway United.
In the First Division on Saturday night, the match of the night sees Drogheda United have home advantage over fellow promotion hopefuls UCD.
Champions Limerick make the trip to Cabinteely; Athlone Town face Cobh Ramblers and managerless Waterford United visit Shelbourne.
