Ciaran Harkin could be out for the rest of the season due a serious injury
Ruaidhri Higgins is building a squad capable of challenging for honours this season but they’ve been hit with a big setback in the aftermath as they travel this evening to Tolka Park to take on Shelbourne (kick off 7.45 pm).
Ciaron Harkin will be out for the foreseeable future because of a cruciate ligament injury, possibly even for the rest of the season.
Ruaidhri Higgins will now be forced to shuffle his pack just two games into the season to cover for the loss of a player who has been pretty much an ever-present during his time at the club.
The City boss was understandably more concerned about his midfielde r- insisting that ‘Jackie’ is exactly the type of player who can bounce back from the injury.
“We’re all gutted for him but we know the type of person he is and we know his character. I have no doubt that he will come back from this a stronger person.”
“We need to see the values that he brings to the team remain within it.
He may not be able to have the impact on the pitch that he would have wanted, but he is an integral part of our dressing room and will remain so throughout the season.”
“Everyone at the club holds Jackie in very high regard. He will get the best of help from our excellent medical team throughout his recovery.
“We will assist him in every way possible to get him back doing what he does best as soon as possible.”
While Derry were on top for 30 minutes against Sligo Rovers last Monday, the rest of the game was played out with little incident.
Shels boss Damien Duff celebrated his birthday this week but he wasn’t overly-pleased by his side’s display 48 hours earlier against UCD.
The result made it four points from three matches for the north Dubliners. For a promoted side, that is more is a good start but perhaps a greater test is to come tonight.
Once again, Tolka Park will welcome a large crowd. Duff would like his players to enthuse the fans rather than rely on them.
“It’s in the players mindset to relish these occasions. Derry are obviously favourites with some for the league but I’ve been very proud of the performances.
“Derry have a lot of individual quality and a team with a lot of match winners and I’d say tomorrow’s team will feature quite a lot of those players but nothing will phase us as we look to make Tolka a fortress.
“It goes both ways to make that (home environment). Yes the supporters are there to be the 12th man but the players have to help them too whether it be a tackle showing them that desire or a piece of magic to get them off their seat.”
Duff feels his side can go on to claim the points despite Derry’s early-season promise.
“We’re convinced when we go into each game we will win it and that same belief remains going into every week.
“It’s the best bit of the week for the players, for the staff and I’m sure for Shelbourne fans it is as well. Everyone is absolutely buzzing for tomorrow. We want to make something special,” he added.
Shane Griffin is doubtul while JJ Lunney and Sean McSweeney are close to returning but may not make it for this game.
On loan Arsenal man Jordan McEneff is fit, despite his early withdrawal on Monday night which was precautionary.
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