Mr Versatile Ben Doherty has already had some great European memories during his playing career, but he admits winning a tie in Europe with his home town club would be special.
The 26-year-old has scored a number of goals in Europe already but his most memorable strike came for Coleraine, when his winning penalty in the shoot-out saw the Bannsiders defeat Maribor in Slovenia, in the Europa League in 2020.
Also during that campaign, he netted twice against Motherwell, before the Scottish side won on penalties, but he insists all those special nights would pale into insignificance if Derry City could see off Faroe Islands side Havnar Bóltfelag Torshavn in the Europa Conference League.
The first qualifying round first leg encounter takes place at the Tórsvøllur National Stadium on Thursday night and Doherty wants another special European experience.
“To do it for your hometown club would be massive, but to be honest as long as someone does it I’m happy enough and hopefully we can get through the tie,” he insisted.
“Probably one of the best nights of my career was in Maribor for Coleraine and even down at the Coleraine Showgrounds against Motherwell, when we were given no chance and we took them to penalties.”
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While City fans feel their team go into the tie as favourites, the ex-Larne man isn’t taking anything for granted and is expecting a tough test against Jakup Joensen’s side.
“European football isn’t just good for us, it’s good for every team that competes in it,” he added.
“European football is prestigious for all clubs and I would assume getting into Europe for Torshavn was as much of a task for them as it was for us.
“Look everyone has their right to be there and it’s not like Torshavn is there by some fluke, they’ll be up for it and every team you come up against are going to be good, well organised and that’s the message we’ve got from the gaffer (Ruaidhrí Hggins) and Paddy (McLaughlin), who have seen them at first hand.
“There’s no easy teams in European football, everyone is there on merit and everyone is in the category that they should be.
“We’re coming up against Torshavn and it’s not going to be an easy ride and a tie that we have to be fully focused on and fully prepared for and hopefully, we can carry out the plan which the gaffer and his coaching staff have given us, to get through the tie.”
Doherty admitted that Friday night’s stoppage time win over Sligo Rovers has given the squad a spring in their step ahead of Thursday evening’s first leg game.
“Europe gives you a breather from the league and it takes your focus onto something else and having a European run you never know what that can do for a group of players. We obviously have a few new signings and maybe a wee break from the league is what we needed," explained Doherty.
“We’re all looking forward to the European ties against HB Torshavn and then we’ve the FAI Cup starting and there’s a lot of games to be played and as a player those are the ones you want to be involved in.
“You can sense that the European games are coming up, there’s a real buzz in the changing room and all the boys are coming back fit to be in the best possible shape that they can be for the two legs.”
The talented midfielder, who has played in a number of positions this season, has netted four goals this campaign and he knows how important European progression is for both the club financially and the dressing room.
“European football is obviously massive for the club financially but for the players it’s always one of those targets at the start of the year within the changing room to secure European football,” he confirmed.
“It’s a different level and it’s where you want to go and test yourself. Obviously the league is your bread and butter but these big European games don’t come around too often.
“You’re always hoping for a favourable draw in the first round and then hopefully you get someone big as you progress, but listen we’ll not be looking past Torshavn. We know what they’re like and it will be a tough test for us, but it’s a tie we’re looking forward to as well.”
St Patrick's Athletic are also in Europa Conference League action this week, with the Dubliners taking on F91 Dudelange of Luxembourg in the first leg of their first qualifying round tie on Wednesday evening with a 6.30pm kick-off.
