Derry still facing huge task

Derry City (0) v CSKA Sofia (1): SHOULD DERRY City record what would arguably be one of the greatest shocks by an Irish club in Europe, by defeating CSKA Sofia tonight, the tragedy of the piece would be that the club cannot stage another European game in their Brandywell home.

Derry have already been informed by Uefa that success over CSKA would mean they must stage the fourth qualifying round in the Europa League at another venue which complies with Uefa stadia standards.

But Derry manager, Stephen Kenny opted to focus his attentions on tonight’s third qualifying round, second-leg tie.

“Our players must produce the game of their lives if we are to cause a major shock,” said Kenny.

“We are facing a formidable team with a great pedigree in European football and we’ll simply have to be at our best if we’re to have any chance.”

Derry’s 1-0 defeat in Sofia was considered a highly respectable result by many commentators, given the opposition. But Kenny, didn’t necessarily see it that way.

“Had we lost 2-1 it would have been a better result,” he argued. “The away goal can be crucial in these ties, so it’s vitally important that we attempt to keep a ‘clean sheet’ on Thursday night.

“We must be sound defensively, we must remain disciplined and, just as important, we must score a goal if we’re to remain in the tie.

“CSKA have highly skilled players who boast a great technical ability. However, this match is to be played at the Brandywell and with our own supporters firmly behind us, anything can happen,” maintained Kenny.

Ready to take charge of his 20th tie in European football Kenny pointed to previous big-night performances at the Brandywell.

“We’ve managed to keep clean sheets against teams such as Gothenburg, Paris St Germain and Skonto-Riga at the Brandywell and if we can maintain that record then we’ll always have a chance.

“It’s obviously a massive game for us and, indeed, a game which very few people outside Derry expect to see us win.

“But we believe we have a chance and, as I’ve said, if we can keep them scoreless for as long as possible, we could well surprise a few.”

Derry will continue to plan without the services of Liam Kearney (leg), Sammy Morrow (ankle) and Mark Chrystal (cheekbone) but influential skipper, Peter Hutton and right-back, Eddie McCallion, are both available for selection having sat out last Sunday’s 2-1 defeat by Shamrock Rovers due to suspension.

Right winger, Gareth McGlynn (calf) and Thomas Stewart (groin) are both expected to be declared fit before tonight’s game.

The Bulgarians will be expected to field a similar side to that which recorded victory in the first leg.

Coach and legendary CSKA and Bulgarian international striker, Luboslav Penev, said he will be taking nothing for granted against their Irish opponents.

“Derry City played a very good defensive game against us in Sofia, but the fact that we scored a goal gives us an advantage,” he said.

“Derry are a good side with energetic players who pass the ball well and they have a tactically-minded coach, so I would expect a very close game,” added Penev.