'Pleasure, not pressure' - Damien Duff on Shelbourne's League of Ireland title charge
Shelbourne continue their bid for League of Ireland glory when they travel to Drogheda United on Thursday.
Damien Duff says being at the top of the league is a pleasure, not pressure.
And that’s how his Shelbourne stars are feeling as the Premier Division title race heads towards a thrilling conclusion, with his side two points ahead of Derry City and 12 clear of third placed Waterford.
They face bottom of the table Drogheda United on Thursday evening, with the Boynesiders desperate for points in their battle to beat the drop.
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With their contrasting fortunes in mind, Duff would much rather his Shelbourne side be in the position they are in now.
“Pressure has been mentioned many times but I think I’m speaking for all the lads, we don’t feel any pressure,” he said.
“I’ve been in polar opposite positions in a league when I was a player, been up the top, been down the bottom and believe you me, being down the bottom is not a nice pressure but, up the top is a pleasure.
“Everyone is training well, working hard with smiles on their faces but yeah, only one league game in July, so it is imperative we come out with a positive result.”
Shels are still looking for their first win of the season against Drogheda, having drawn twice against the Louth outfit.
“Tomorrow is a very dangerous game, Drogheda, especially away, it’s always a difficult place to go but we realise the task that is at hand,” said Duff.
“I know Kevin will have them highly motivated and they have a lot of players in their squad that are always highly motivated when they play Shelbourne but we just have to make sure we play with a real cutting edge.
“We have our own motivations to do well. It is always a very tough game but we are fully prepared and ready.”
Duff, meanwhile, is happy with his transfer window business so far - with Harry Wood, Ali Coote and Sam Bone all arriving this week.
“Three massive additions to the squad, to the culture, and to the standards around the place and obviously tying in with all that they’re bloody good players and it is a pleasure to have them,” said Duff.
“As we always say, competition is the best coach, the levels in training already have jumped markedly high.”
Drogheda hope to have Douglas James-Taylor available after he completed his loan from Walsall, while Elicha Ahui and Shane Farrell could also feature.
Jethren Barr, Aaron McNally, Gary Deegan, Darragh Markey and Zishim Bawa are all doubtful through injury. Evan Weir’s loan move from Walsall has concluded.
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