Derry City manager Ruaidhri Higgins
And that is quickly followed by another drive to the capital on Monday for a crunch game against Shamrock Rovers.
As always it’s very much ‘one at a time’ for Ruaidhri Higgins although the City boss did admit that the early season schedule had clearly been a challenge.
“It feels a bit strange that by the middle of May we’ll have played both St Pats and Shamrock Rovers three times each, but I suppose the flip side is that we’ve only got to play them each once more in the league with both games at the Brandywell.
“We’ve done well in recent weeks taking 11 points from a possible 15 and just as importantly we’re now getting players back into the squad, which is great given the schedule of matches.
“Patrick McEleney, Michael Duffy and Sadou Diallo all came back in recent weeks and Cameron Dummigan is very close too, and we’ll see how he’s looking for Friday night.
“Obviously we still have one or two who need their minutes managed, but this is as good as things have been on the injury front for quite a while.”
St Pats come into the game on a mixed run of form albeit they impressed many with their battling draw at Tallaght last time out.
The City boss said he was delighted with the focus his players have shown this week.
“They’re a very good side, we know that, and very few teams come back from being behind twice at Shamrock Rovers,” says Higgins.
“In all honesty though there’s no point in us concerning ourselves with what’s going on elsewhere. I’ve seen a real concentration from the group on what we want to do regardless of anything else. We want to go there and imprint our style on the game and try to get a big three points.
“We really liked how we finished the game against Bohemians last weekend and we want more of the same.
“I know I’m repeating myself over and over when I’m asked about results elsewhere on any particular night, but to be completely honest, none of that matters to us.
“Maybe with five or six matches to go if you’re still in the mix then you start looking at those things, but until then, all I’m interested in is looking after our own consistency.
“We’re in a very good place at the minute, although I’m well aware that the players who have been out long term aren’t going to ease back in overnight.
“We’re honestly looking forward to going there and playing on a good pitch and all we’re thinking about is trying to win this game.”
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