DERRY City boss Ruaidhrí Higgins admits he doesn’t know what to expect tonight as his former assistant Alan Reynolds brings his Bohemians side to the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.
Reynolds was Higgins’ number two during City’s FAI Cup success in 2022, before returning home for personal reasons and becoming Keith Long’s right hand man at Waterford. Then only a few months ago he replaced Declan Devine as the Gypsies gaffer.
“God knows what he’ll bring but I do know that he’ll have something up his sleeve,” insisted Higgins.
“But we’ll be ready for whatever they throw at us.
“He’s obviously had a very good coaching career, as a manager and as an assistant, and obviously with the 21s in Ireland.
“He’s done a good job since he’s gone in there. He’s got a good squad of players, and I’m sure he’ll look to strengthen in the summer as well.
“He knows me, he knows this club, so it’ll be an interesting game and one we’re looking forward to. He’s a good man, and good luck to him – apart from Friday night.”
In their last meeting, at Dalymount Park in March, the Dubliners secured a narrow 2-1 win, but the Limavady man was pleased by the way his side played that night.
“Some of our play was really, really good that night,” he explained. “The scoreline didn’t go for us, but we created a number of opportunities that night, and definitely didn’t deserve to lose the game.
“But listen, we’re creating chances, a lot more chances this season, so there’s bits to be positive about, and hopefully we can play on the front foot here at home and try and get a big win.”
On Monday night the Candystripes conceded a 90th minute equaliser to league leaders Shelbourne, but on the plus side midfielder Sadou Diallo got his first taste of action this season and Higgins hopes the 24-year-old can kick-on and remain injury free.
While Diallo returned the likes of Patrick McEleney, Michael Duffy, Cameron Dummigan, Colm Whelan and Jordan McEneff all remain on the treatment table, much to the City gaffer’s disappointment.
“They’re all really important,” he added. “They all bring something completely different to the table, and the more of them that we have available, the better.
“It’s nice to get Sads back on the pitch. He brings a composure to our play, and he controls matches.
“Obviously, it’s going to take him a bit of time to get fully up to speed, but it was nice to see him back on the pitch the other night.
“Hopefully, we can keep him fit now, and when we get the others back we can keep them fit and look forward to an exciting rest of the season.
“As I said, you need all different types of players, and we have that whenever they’re available.”