Uefa Europa Conference League first qualifying round, second leg
Derry City v HB Torshavn (Thursday, 7.45pm)
DERRY City manager Ruaidhrí Higgins knows tonight’s Europa Conference League second-leg clash against HB Tórshavn is a big game for the club.
Higgins, who will be in charge of his fourth game in Europe, hopes the Brandywell roar will play a major role in this evening’s winner-takes-all game.
“It’s a big game for the club and the city,” he insisted.
“It’s a tie to get really excited about and I’m sure there’ll be a packed Brandywell, with loads of noise, which our players I’m sure will respond to and hopefully put in a big performance.”
With the O’Neills Foyle Cup in full swing, Higgins (below) is hoping the football feel-good factor throughout the city continues for his side against the Faroe Islands men.
“It’s brilliant to see all the young kids all around the town in their different colours, it gives the city a real lift,” he added.
“Obviously with a European game in the mix as well it’s something to get excited by and we need the place rocking on Thursday night.
“Last week’s 0-0 draw was a tight game, they were better than us in the opening 25 minutes but from that moment on I felt we got control of the game and shaded it after that. But it’s an even contest there’s no doubt about that.
“Hopefully with the crowd behind us and home advantage behind us, I’m hoping we can take advantage of that and try to drive it over the line.”
The Limavady man knows his squad is really looking forward to tonight’s game and concedes that there’s a real buzz in the changing room: “It’s a special moment for players to get the chance to play European football, some unbelievable players have never played in Europe.
“I have told the boys not to take it for granted, they have to grasp the opportunity whenever it presents itself and I’m sure the players will do that on Thursday night.”
The Candystripes will again be without midfielder Adam O’Reilly through suspension and the 38-year-old also stated that Derry have to be careful with skipper Patrick McEleney, who continues to struggle with an achilles issue.
“We’re going to basically have the same squad that was involved in last week’s first leg,” confirmed Higgins.
“We’ve been bringing Patrick on from the bench and there’s obviously a reason why we’re doing that.
“He has an achilles problem and we’ll try to manage him as best as we can. He has been fantastic over the last couple of weeks.
“Coming off the bench Patrick has been impacting the games and we’re better having him available then not available, so we have to make the best of it.
‘‘To be fair we’ve got outstanding quality in that position as well, but it’s great to have Patrick’s presence around the place and his quality when called upon.
“Everyone else seems to be ready to go apart for the long-term guys, Colm Whelan and Ciaron Harkin.”
