DERRY City boss Ruaidhrí Higgins wants his players to relish facing champions Shamrock Rovers at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium on Friday.
For the second week running, the Candystripes will be shown live on RTÉ2 and Higgins would love a similar result to last Saturday evening’s Sports Direct FAI Cup win over league leaders Shelbourne.
City produced a complete team performance to see off Damien Duff’s men and book their place in the FAI Cup semi-final and Higgins feels the encounter against the Hoops, which is a complete sell-out, can be another special night on Foyleside.
“It’s another exciting game and one to whet the appetite and one I’m sure our supporters are looking forward to. Hopefully we can get that same energy around the ground and on the pitch and a similar result would do nicely,” insisted Higgins.
“The bigger the games the better for Irish football and to promote the league.
“The more big games like that (the cup game against Shels), especially on live TV, the better. It captures the imagination of football fans around the country and Derry City versus Shamrock Rovers is certainly another one of those.”
Stephen Bradley’s side are aiming for their fifth league title in a row, but with only seven league games remaining, they sit four points behind City and eight points adrift of Shels, so a home victory would probably end the Dubliners’ title hopes.
“We know a win would certainly strengthen our case that’s for sure and that’s all we’re focussed on. If we win and it damages other teams then so be it,” explained the Derry boss, who watched Rovers win 2-1 at Galway United on Monday night.
“I always say it’s too dangerous to look at what other clubs are doing and look at other results. We want to be in control of our own destiny. If we get three points on Friday night then we know it’ll put us in a good position.
“They are an exceptional team. They have possibly the most depth in their squad than I’ve ever seen in the league and like for like everywhere.
“They have an incredible squad of players built up over a number of years. In terms of depth I’ve possibly never seen it before. We have a good group of players too and I think on Friday night will be an interesting game and one we’re really looking forward to.”
One man who has settled into the City dressing room since joining recently is defender Andre Wisdom and Higgins admitted his desire to play was a main reason why he signed the ex-Liverpool man.
“He obviously had a really tough period in his life where he was out of the game but his hunger to get back was exceptional,” he confirmed.
