GOALKEEPER Brian Maher insists Derry City are fully focused ahead of Thursday night’s Europa Conference League second-leg clash against Bruno Magpies.
Maher admitted words were exchanged after last Thursday’s dreadful 2-0 first-leg loss at the Europa Point Stadium, but the Candystripes’ squad is now looking for another memorable Brandywell night.
“We were very, very disappointed in the dressing room last week and there were words that had to be had,” he stated.
“We all knew it wasn’t good enough, but as soon as we were back into training we had to put it behind us, because there was no point sitting thinking about it, because it’s all about now trying to put it right.
“Look it’s absolutely achievable to turn things around, we won every home game in Europe last year, so look if we do that we’re halfway there.
“We’re going to have a gameplan and yes we know that we obviously need to score goals, but getting through is definitely absolutely achievable, we’ve been good at home this year. I think we’ve the best home record in the league.
“We’ve nothing to fear, we know that we didn’t show up at all in last week’s first 90 minutes and we still created chances and should have scored, so we just need to give them the respect they deserve but also know that we can hurt them.
“European games I think are brilliant for the club and it has been some of the best experiences I’ve had at the club, whether it has been the games that we’ve won or the games that we’ve lost, because you learn a lot from all European matches.
“Whether you come out on the right side of things, I feel you come back into the league stronger from it. Just playing against new teams and developing as a squad is great, so yeah it’s hard not to see it as a massive opportunity.”
The 22-year-old net-minder admits he has prepared for penalties should the tie reach that stage and he hopes the Foylesiders’ European adventure isn’t over at the first qualifying round this season.
“Last season was amazing and we obviously want this season to continue into next week and beyond,” he added.
“But it’s hard to look past this Thursday’s clash against Magpies, because obviously we’re in a difficult position.
“But yeah we want to give fans more European memories this year, because people are still talking about last year’s run, so we’ve a chance to have another great night at the Brandywell on Thursday.
“It has been difficult getting footage of their penalty-takers, but sometimes you can have all the studying in the world, which we did last year and it can still go wrong. I faced a few penalties already this year and I’ve saved them, so look it can flip both ways at times.”
Magpies boss Nathan Rooney wants his side to believe they can create some history for their club and reach the second qualifying round in Europe for the first time ever.
In their previous two European outings they were knocked out by Crusaders and Dundalk and Rooney, who is in his second stint as Magpies gaffer, is hoping it’s third time lucky this week.
“The belief is there in our squad,” stated the Magpies manager.
“Some of these players have come through the last three Europa League Conferences, they’ve had defeats and suffered, but this is the learning bit now and this is where you earn your coin, but me and the squad are looking forward to embracing the challenge.
“We’ve been here before and we’ve blown up, so let’s see if we can put another plan out there.”