Ruaidhri Higgins: Clubs in European competition are being 'punished' by current schedule

Ruaidhrí Higgins has called on the league season to be extended as the Derry manager believes that teams competing in Europe are being punished by the summer schedule.

Higgins said that there is no reason why the campaign could not be extended by a week or two, or else do away with the mid-season break.

Speaking after his side's narrow 1-0 defeat to Shamrock Rovers in the top-of-the-table clash and with another trip to Dublin to come on Friday against Shelbourne, Higgins said: "To go three games in a week before the break and go two weeks without a game and then three games in a week after the break, it’s a lot.

"So either don’t give a break or extend the season, because the teams in Europe get punished."

Higgins was disappointed that his side left the capital empty handed as Rory Gaffney’s goal decided the game, and the Candystripes boss was happy with how his team came to Tallaght Stadium to take on the reigning champions and league leaders.

"It felt for the majority of the game we controlled it, we had a lot of the ball and possession," said Higgins, speaking to RTÉ Sport after the game.

"But I was slightly disappointed when we got into the final third with our final cross or final pass. I felt we deserved a bit more than we got."

Higgins, however, was attempting to remain upbeat in relation to the title race as his side now trail the Hoops at the top of the table by seven points with 13 games remaining.

"It’s really disappointing to lose the game, but there is still 39 points to fight for.

"We have the capacity and capabilities to go on a really decent run… we just lacked that cutting edge tonight, and it’s disappointing to leave here empty handed."

Shamrock Rovers boss Stephen Bradley had plenty to be please about and said: