EUROPA CONFERENCE LEAGUE: Captain Patrick McEleney warns: 'Don't take it for granted!'

Derry City could have no better player to lead them out against HB Torshavn this evening than Patrick McEleney, with the captain carrying 10 years of European experience behind him.

The 30-year-old is amongst the most decorated in League of Ireland history, not just in terms of silverware, but also in terms of European prestige. Should McEleney play in both legs of this tie against Torshavn, he will take his European total to 46 appearances, which is only bettered by three players in Irish history – Ronan Finn, Sean Gannon and Gary Rogers.

Now, 10 years on from his first appearance in Europe against Trabzonspor, McEleney remains just as excited as ever.

“For me, as a player, it’s the most exciting part of the year really,” he said. “Obviously, I’ve done quite well in the recent past in getting to the group stages and stuff, so I can only help the player with my experience and with what we have to do. It’s an exciting game for us, and one we’re looking forward to.”

McEleney actually has experience against opponents from the Faroe Islands, having faced Kl Klaksvik in 2020, beating them 3-1 to qualify for the Europa League Group Stages. ‘Fats’ remembers it very well, but is expecting something different this time around.

“It’s about styles,” he stated. “When we played against that team for Dundalk, they came to the Aviva and they sat in and it was hard to break down. We’re playing against a completely different style now with Torshavn; I feel as if they play a bit more, they play out from the back and their two centre-halves split, while Klaksvik didn’t do that. They just got up to the halfway line. It’s down to styles and doing your homework, and we’ve done that.”

“We’ll be ready, we’ll be set up. We’ve obviously watched a wee bit on them and they are a good side. People look from a distance and say it’s the Faroe Islands, but they can play and we’ll not be taking it lightly and we’ll be going there to win.”

Fitness

It has been a frustrating season for McEleney fitness-wise, and he only just returned to action as a substitute in last weekend’s dramatic win over Sligo Rovers. A persistent Achilles problem has plagued him this season, and the midfielder is just grateful to get another opportunity for what is easily Derry City’s biggest game of the season.

“It’s a good time for me to come back because of Europe, and for me personally, it’s what I look forward to the most because it’s what you work towards,” he explained. “I feel good; it’s just good to be out there to be honest and whatever way possible I can get out there, it’s good for me.”

Reminded that Derry City haven’t won in Europe since he last played at the club a decade ago, McEleney maintains that the players do not need to be reminded just how important this game is to the fans.  

“It’s a thing that we strive towards really,” he continued. “We spoke about it in pre-season, about trying to get through a round in Europe, and it’s easier said than done, let me tell you. It’s not just a case of showing up and teams will roll over; it’s tough. You need to set up properly and do your job right, but there’s a hunger in the group and everybody is looking forward to it.”

On the night of his 45th appearance in Europe, it would be understandable if Ruaidhri Higgins makes his captain part of his team talk tonight.  

“The first (bit of advice) is don’t take it for granted because it might not happen every year, so when you’re out there, just do the business,” he said. “It just comes down to finding out what the teams are about; you might have to slow the tempo down and keep the ball, you might have to get into your shape quicker because sometimes when you’re playing in Europe they can kill you, especially the further through the rounds you go, but I’m experienced enough to try and help them.”