Ruaidhrí Higgins: ‘We’ve a lot of players who are in the early stages of their European careers - it will have done all of them the world of good’

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Andrew Dempsey reports from Tallaght Stadium

Ruaidhrí Higgins insisted that he was ‘immensely proud’ of his players after Derry City’s agonising penalty shootout defeat to Tobol Kostanay in the Europa Conference League qualifiers on Thursday night.

The Candystripes won 1-0 on the night but exited the competition on spot-kicks after losing the first-leg by the same score in Kazakhstan last week.

If they came through the tie, they would have played against Viktoria Plzen next week in the play-off round – but it was not to be.

“I’m completely devastated for the players,” Higgins said. "What they have put into this campaign has been nothing short of remarkable. I felt they deserved a wee bit more.

“I think it was a fairly even contest but I felt we might have edged it.

“With a wee bit more care we could have put the game out of sight but I’m immensely proud of the players.”

Derry City took the lead in the first-half of regulation time through Will Patching’s spot-kick and also had chances to win the tie outright before extra-time.

Cian Kavanagh had their best chance in the 96th minute but miskicked his effort wide of goal when played in by his namesake Brandon.

And with penalties following a drab affair during extra-time, Tobol came out on top as Brian Maher’s spot-kick was saved and Pavel Kireenko broke their hearts.



“It would have been a remarkable achievement to get ourselves into the playoff round,” Higgins added. “We were a penalty shootout away from doing it.

“When you’re involved in European competition it takes you out of your comfort zone. It tests you in ways that haven’t been tested.

“We’ve a lot of players who are in the early stages of their European careers and it will have done all of them the world of good.”

And while the devastation etched across Higgins’ face was clear after the game, the Candystripes must respond quickly this weekend.

On Sunday evening, City are set to welcome St Patrick’s Athletic to the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium in the second-round of the FAI Cup.

“We have to show real resolve to get ready for the game on Sunday,” the Derry boss stressed.



“I think our supporters will know that the players will need them on Sunday. When the players and supporters work together it’s a really strong force.”

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