HIGGINS: WE ARE ALL WAY OFF ROVERS
RUAIDHRI Higgins is surprised at Shamrock Rovers’ sluggish start to their bid to land a hattrick of Premier Division title wins.
But the Derry City boss still believes that The Hoops remain the team to emulate.
Derry moved to the summit of the table with Friday’s 1-0 win at Shelbourne — their second win in four outings in 2022.
On the other side of the Liffey, Stephen Bradley’s side were going down to their second defeat in four matches as Chris Forrester’s winner settled matters at Richmond Park.
With Sligo Rovers and Dundalk sharing the spoils at The Showgrounds on Saturday and Finn Harps and Bohemians drawing 1-1 at Ballybofey 24 hours earlier, the business end of proceedings is very congested.
Focus
“They’re not renowned for that are they?” Mused Higgins when asked about Rovers’ second loss of the season against the backdrop of rising expectations of his side.
“But I can only focus on what we do and keep moving this thing on. We’re four games in to a 36 game season.
“Shamrock Rovers are the benchmark in terms of squad depth and quality. They are miles ahead of every club in Ireland, absolutely miles ahead.
“They have set the standards and it’s up to the rest to catch.
“We have to go to UCD next Friday and we’ve a quick turnaround then with UCD and Drogheda next weekend. We need to try and keep putting points on the board.
Patrick McEleney grabbed the all important winner on his first start of the season and Michael Duffy is close to recovering from injury to stake his claim for a place in the side.
Rush
“Michael’s not too far away and we’re looking forward to introducing Michael into the team as well. We’ll see how the week goes but it would be irresponsible of myself and the staff to rush him back too soon.
“We have to think about the season and not the next week or two.”
Higgins and Shels supremo Damien Duff worked together in Stephen Kenny’s Ireland management staff.
“He’s a really outstanding coach with an amazing work ethic so of course I wish him well. He’ll do a great job.”