McCrudden is ready to step up for Derry

MICHAEL McCrudden believes he can fill the gap left by the suspended David Parkhouse when Derry City meet FAI Cup holders Dundalk in the second round of the competition tonight.

McCrudden, who has made only 10 appearances for the Candystripes this season due to a broken foot, is once again approaching full fitness and sees Parkhouse’s absence as an opportunity he is ready to take.

Derry are underdogs against a rampant Dundalk side who are aiming for a treble this season, an achievement only ever completed by the Candystripes back in 1989.

With the teams also set to meet in next month’s EA Sports League Cup final, the stage is set for an

In zone: Michael McCrudden

exciting and dramatic end to the season.

“They’ve got good players, but if you put pressure on good players we’ll see what they’re really made of. Hopefully we can go and give a good account of ourselves and get through,” said McCrudden.

“If anybody had said at the start of the season that we’d be borderline third and fourth, trying to get into Europe and had a cup final to look forward to, anyone would have snapped your hands off.”

McCrudden was a star in the Irish League for Institute last year, scoring 17 goals before his move to the Brandywell. Due to his injury he is still waiting for his first Derry goal, but he believes that playing up top in place of suspended Parkhouse would suit him.

“Last season there were two up top with myself and Joe (McCready), but this season there is only one and Parky has been on fire,” he stated. “If I get the nod to play up top I would be delighted with that and I’ ll work as hard as I can for the team and hopefully we can get a result.”