Derry City boss Ruaidhri Higgins is hopeful his luck is changing after receiving positive news on Patrick McEleney’s latest injury.
However, to avoid further bad luck, he plans to steer clear of black cats from now on.
In last week’s 0-0 draw with Sligo Rovers, McEleney (thigh) and Cameron Dummigan (ankle) both suffered serious injuries. A few weeks earlier, midfielder Sadou Diallo sustained a long-term knee injury, leaving Higgins feeling unlucky.
“I feel like I keep running over black cats,” he joked, but expressed confidence in his squad’s strength and depth. “You’ve to make decisions. That’s what I’m paid to do. Whether you enjoy it or not, my job is to stay calm and make decisions.”
He mentioned bringing in Jordan McEneff and Adam O’Reilly, highlighting their potential. “That was always the plan; if we do pick up an injury, we’d have the squad to cope. You don’t envisage losing three top players in the same position. That’s the way it is.”
Despite the injuries, Higgins remains positive and believes his team is capable of winning their upcoming games. He shared that McEleney’s injury isn’t as severe as initially thought, though Dummigan’s situation is more complex and awaiting further details.
Facing a challenging double-header this weekend against St Patrick’s Athletic and Shamrock Rovers, Higgins acknowledged the difficulty of losing key players. “Of course, you want all your best players available all of the time but that’s the harsh reality of football; it very rarely happens,” he said. He emphasized the importance of having a strong, adaptable squad.
Reflecting on McEleney’s injury, Higgins admitted it was particularly hard to take given McEleney had a great pre-season. “But we have got decent news and are hopeful he’ll be back in the not too distant future.”
Praising McEleney, Higgins added, “When you know you have him fit and well he is as good as anything in the country. That’s why we’ll keep pushing him and that’s why he will keep pushing himself because we know what an unbelievable footballer he is.”
Higgins concluded by expressing confidence in the depth of his squad and the need to secure points in the upcoming matches against Pat’s and Shamrock Rovers, especially after Pat’s ended Derry City’s FAI Cup dream last year on penalties.
