Kenny Shiels says he hopes Derry City fans will pack out the Brandywell for Cup Final
Manager Kenny Shiels says he is ready for a stern test as the Candystripes look to end a six year trophy drought.
And he hopes the fans turn out in their droves to pack the Brandywell to the rafters which would help lift the players.
A real sense of excitement has swept through Foyleside lately as Derry City aim to win the league cup for an 11th time today entertaining First Division side Cobh Ramblers.
Along the way the Candystripes have beaten Finn Harps, Shelbourne and Sligo Rovers enroute to the final.
But it was the Ramblers who pulled off the shock of the competition when they toppled holders Dundalk and Derry manager Shiels has warned that a stern test stands between them and cup success:
Shiels told the club’s website derrycityfc.net “They are a good team. Cup finals can go in any way, shape or form. We must get our attitude right.”
In five previous meetings between these sides Derry have emerged victorious on each occasion.
Shiels has insisted that his squad has improved since their disappointing defeat to Bohemians last time out but has urged the city of Derry to come out in numbers to support the red and white army:
“I would love to see this place rammed on Sunday as I know what type of a lift that gives the players. The atmosphere when we returned to Brandywell was unreal and you only have to look at our results during that time to see how the boys responded.”
Derry last lifted this trophy back in 2011 but have only added one major honour since which was winning the FAI Cup the following year.
“This is a great opportunity for the people of the City to come out and watch their team in a major final on their own doorstep. These opportunities don’t come around all that often.”
City’s form has dipped in the league since May winning just four games but it’s cup football that has stabilised their season. With an FAI Cup quarter-final to come on Wednesday spirits should be high amongst supporters.
“If we could win a trophy it would be fantastic. How many sides outside the big financially strong clubs are going to win a trophy?“ explained Shiels.
“I think the supporters should be proud of what these young players achieved.”
Team News
Shiels’ several international Under-21 players appear to have returned unscathed after being involved with the Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland squads over the past week.
Long term absentees Nicky Low and Conor McDermott will miss the final, as will the unfortunate Ally
Roy who is cup-tied after making an appearance for Sligo in an earlier round.
