Devine confident Derry can bounce back quickly

DECLAN Devine retains great faith in his players ahead of a crucial FAI Cup tie for Derry City at Drogheda United today (5pm).

It has been a tough week for the Candystripes, who were knocked out of the Europa League by Lithuanian minnows FK Riteriai.

The pain of that 3-2 defeat after extra-time will be felt for some time by the fans, especially after big European victories for both Coleraine and Shamrock Rovers since, with the financial rewards and the glamour of progressing at such a high stage huge for those who are successful.

City are back to porridge after that Europa experience as they face First Division Drogheda

United in the hope of a good cup run to pick everyone’s spirits up. Devine is confident that his players can raise their game today.

“It has been a very long week, let’s be honest,” he said. “It seems like an eternity ago we played Cork in the Brandywell, which was a fantastic performance and a really good result.

“We’re looking forward to the game but we’re under no illusions going away to Drogheda because they are having a very good season and pushing for aubut tomatic promotion.”

Devine will give late fitness tests to both Walter Figueira and Jack Malone, who were missed in the midweek defeat to FK Riteriai with hamstring strains. Ally Gilchrist (foot) continues to miss out, as does Conor Clifford (concussion), while new signing Cameron Mcjannett is in line for his debut having self-isolated.

“We’ll look for a response but it’s ultimately about playing to our level, and if we do that we are in with a good chance,” added Devine.

“The one thing you’re guaranteed of in a cup game is that they have nothing to lose, so they are going to have a go at us.

“We’ve got to be ready for that and make sure that whenever the referee blows the final whistle, we’re into the hat for the next round. I’ve every confidence the boys will do a job.”