Derry City face UCD tonight knowing EXACTLY what's at stake

UCD vs. Derry City

Tonight, 7:45pm

Ruaidhri Higgins believes that ‘professionalism’ is key as Derry City head to UCD this evening hoping to extend an impressive run of form of just one defeat in 13 games in all competitions.

UCD are rock bottom of the Premier Division with just two wins in 28 games. They have also lost all of their last seven games against Derry City and a victory at Belfield tonight would put the Candystripes just four points behind leaders Shamrock Rovers ahead of a massive clash between the two at the Brandywell next Friday. But Higgins is taking nothing for granted with no room left for error in his team’s season.

 “We understand that this is our game in hand, we have to make the most of it and try to cut the gap and give ourselves an opportunity,” he said.

“We have to go to UCD and keep doing what we’ve been doing and apply ourselves properly and try to get the three points. UCD lost narrowly to St Pat’s in their last home game and they deserved something from the game, they had a couple of brilliant chances and should have got something, so we’ll certainly not take them for granted. Professionalism is key, we have to go to UCD and apply ourselves really well and I’m sure the players will.”

Sado Diallo is available for selection after suspension, while Sam Todd could feature against his old team after making his first start for the club last Friday at Dundalk. Higgins has complete faith in his entire squad however, especially after recent performances in Europe and in difficult away games at Bohemians and Dundalk.

 “The players know what’s at stake and the players' professionalism has been absolutely top class and I can’t speak highly enough of them and I’m sure Wednesday night will be no different,” he stated.”

 “They are going to beat someone as they’ve got good players. Actually, when you look at their back four, it’s experienced in terms of UCD standards, they’ve got players who’ve played a lot of football in this league. Then you’ve got (Sean) Brennan and (Dara) Keane in the middle of the park, they’re two really talented players and they’ve got good attacking players.

 “However, don't get me wrong, of course we’re going to go there and be expected to win, but we have to be really professional and do our jobs right or we won’t win.

 “I feel we’ve had a brilliant couple of months and I think we’ve come back fighting when questions were asked, but we have to go and try to put the points on the board on Wednesday.”