Ruaidhri Higgins delighted to 'stick middle finger up' to Derry City's doubters

Ruaidhri Higgins has expressed his delight at being able to 'stick the middle finger up’ to doubters of his Derry City squad. 

The Candystripes boss feels he was able to do this after the club's emphatic 3-0 win over St. Patrick’s Athletic in the second round of the FAI Cup, with goals from Danny Mullen, Michael Duffy, and own goal from Tom Grivosti.

This win comes days after the club's surprise exit from the Europa Conference League to Gibraltarian side FCB Magpies. 

Higgins said: “The players deserve so much credit, and we could have scored more goals.

“I thought it was a really good performance, and I’m so proud of the players.

“It is a brilliant win because I think people quite fancied Pat’s to turn us over here this evening, and we have put in a dominant display.

“I think people were waiting for us to fall on our backsides here this evening, and I’m delighted to stick the middle finger up to a few. 

“We are an easy target for a cheap shot at the minute. I’ve never and will never doubt this group of players. They are an outstanding group, and the sprinkler system worked a treat there this evening. 

“I thought it was a really good performance, and I’m so proud of the players.

City’s next game is not until August 5, when they face league leaders and title rivals Shelbourne. 

Higgins said: “We will have a very good lead into the game, and hopefully we can use that preparation time in the best way possible.

“We will try our best to make it as advantageous as possible.”

Derry have been drawn against Cork City in the next round of the FAI Cup, and Higgins knew that was the priority following their exit from Europe. 

He said: “I’m just delighted for the players, the staff, and our supporters that we were able to get ourselves in the hat in a really good style.”