Paul Corry: Derry City FAI Cup tie a 'big ask' for Shamrock Rovers squad after Gent journey

The Extra.ie FAI Cup quarter-final clash at Derry City will be "a big ask" of Shamrock Rovers' resolve after returning home following a comprehensive defeat to Gent in the Europa Conference League group stages, according to former UCD, Sheffield Wednesday and Hoops midfielder Paul Corry.

Stephen Bradley's side lost 3-0 in Belgium on Thursday evening against the Group F favourites which leaves them bottom on one point ahead of fixtures against a Molde side who have also started the campaign with a draw and a defeat.

Next up for the Hoops this Sunday is a tough Cup clash away at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium (live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player) against the Derry team giving chase to the reigning champions in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division.

"It's a huge test for Shamrock Rovers, a huge test of the squad," Corry told RTÉ's Morning Ireland.

"And to be honest, they couldn't have picked a worse tie after seeing how much last night took out of them. A big, long away trip to Derry who are bang in form at this moment in time and have won their last five games.

"Mentally, more so than anything, I think it's going to be a big ask for Rovers. The momentum is behind Derry. Their front players are peaking at a really good time in the season.

"Michael Duffy is back from a broken leg, scored an absolute cracker last week. Patrick McEleney, Will Patching, young (Sadou) Diallo has come into the squad, and have all done really well in recent weeks and given the back-to-back nature of what Rovers are juggling right now (and) the form of Derry, I think Derry in the Brandywell, I think you'd fancy them to go through."

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