Irish Sunday Mirror

So Farr so good for Neil on his big Rovers return

FLYING WINGER AIMS TO GET BETTER & BETTER

- BY PAUL O’HEHIR

NEIL FARRUGIA is back at the peak of his powers but swears Shamrock Rovers fans have not seen the best of him yet.

The flying winger is enjoying a purple patch after putting his two-year injury hell behind him with some impressive displays.

He tore Finn Harps to shreds last weekend, scoring twice in a devastatin­g display with his first goals in 24 months

In Gent on Thursday, he came off the bench as Stephen Bradley sided with captain Ronan Finn’s vast European experience at right wing-back.

But Farrugia is pushing strongly for a starting role when the Hoops travel to face Derry City in this evening’s FAI Cup quarter-final at the Brandywell.

He said: “I don’t think I ever want to be satisfied with where I am at the moment. I just want to keep pushing. I just want to keep getting better and improving. I got two goals to my name in the last game and I just want to keep that going.

“I’ve been playing well, I’m happy with my performanc­es and I’m enjoying it which is the most important thing.”

Derry have been Rovers’ closest challenger­s this season and sit just one point behind the league leaders but, crucially, have played two games more.

Still, considerin­g Rovers had a difficult European night in Gent when losing 3-0, Derry will be rubbing their hands at the prospect of hosting them today.

“100% but we knew this,” said 23-year-old Farrugia. “We’re well conditione­d. We’ve worked

really hard to get into a position where we’re fit and we’ve got a strong squad and are able to rotate players so we’re happy.

“Derry are a very good side. I think they’ve got stronger as the league has gone on but I still fancy ourselves. They’ve got good footballer­s. Technicall­y they’re quite good. I think that would be their strength.

“But I think we’re a very good side. That’s not to say Derry aren’t but we need to have confidence in how we’re playing.”

In today’s other quarter-final tie, Shelbourne host Bohemians at 2pm with a place in the semis alongside First Division Treaty United and Waterford up for grabs.

 ?? ?? BRACING Farrugia celebrates his first goal of two last weekend
BRACING Farrugia celebrates his first goal of two last weekend

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