Derry City star Michael Duffy hailed as a 'top end player' after securing FAI Cup final spot
Derry City have secured their place at the November 10 FAI Cup final against either Drogheda United or Wexford
Ruaidhri Higgins has hailed Michael Duffy as a big player who delivers big moments after the winger fired Derry City into the FAI Cup final.
Duffy scored both goals in last night’s 2-0 semi-final win away to Bohemians, to make it four goals in total in this season's FAI Cup.
Duffy scored in the second round win over St Pat’s and the quarter-final victory over Shelbourne and also scored the league winner over Bohemians back in May. Dalymount Park has been a happy hunting ground for Duffy as he also scored against Bohs - for Dundalk - in a 4-1 quarter-final romp during the 2020 season.
READ MORE: Derry City progress to FAI Cup final after Dalymount win over Bohemians
READ MORE: Analysing the biggest challenge facing new FAI CEO as David Courell appointment confirmed
Candystripes boss Higgins said: “Listen, he's one of the most decorated players in the country, a top end player. Big players do it in big games. Big games, special players and that's what he is.”
Duffy scored an incredible free kick to open the scoring just before the break, and then rounded off the win 18 minutes from time after cutting in and unleashing.
And Higgins insists Duffy’s opener was definitely a shot, not a cross.
He said: “I loved the angle. There was a small breeze behind him as well. When he catches it the ball can fly off his boot and that's what happened. It was an amazing goal to turn the tie in our favour and then he's gone down the other end on a bit of a breakaway and got the second.”
Sign up for our League of Ireland news service on Whats App
Click this link or scan the QR code to receive the latest League of Ireland news and top stories from the Irish Mirror. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Higgins continued: “He backs himself. He's an absolutely brilliant footballer, we all know that. His time here has been disrupted by injury. He had a terrible leg break against Drogheda a couple of years ago and he's had a lot of setbacks since that. But you can see now with a run of games what he's capable of and he's a special player, absolutely special player and that's why we tried hard to bring him to the club. Big players produce in big games and Michael Duffy has done it once again.”
Derry are back in an FAI Cup final just two years after beating Shels in the 2022 decider and Higgins hopes it will help their league title push with the double up for grabs.
But for Bohemians, they miss out on a third final in four years and will have to channel all their energy into avoiding the relegation playoff. Third from bottom, they are only four points clear of in-form Drogheda, although they have a game in hand ahead of their league game away to Derry City next Friday.
Gypsies boss Alan Reynolds did not take questions after last night’s Cup exit and assistant boss Stephen O’Donnell faced the media instead.
O’Donnell, the former Dundalk and St Pat’s manager, said: “The overriding feeling is disappointment at going out. Ultimately we feel regrets and went out with a bit of a whimper as the second half wore on post the second goal. There's a lot of disappointment, it's too early to say we will dust ourselves down, it's very disappointing for everyone.”
Asked if he was worried about a run in where Bohs go to Derry and also play St Pat’s, Sligo, Waterford and Galway, O’Donnell said: “Worried would be the wrong word. We have a massive five games left, a busy week ahead. Tonight was a Cup semi and our heads are just full of disappointment”
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts.
Related
Share this page
Guest Posts by Easy Branches
