Ruaidhrí Higgins feels Derry can reach new ground in Kazakhstan

Derry City manager Ruaidhri Higgins has challenged his players to dare to dream they can reach the Europa Conference League play-off as they begin a third round tie in Kazakhstan this afternoon.

The Candystripes have come through two rounds so far and must do the same to reach the main phase of the competition.

Tobol Kostanay stand in the way in this tie – a surprise opponent after they knocked out last year's semi-finalist FC Basel in the previous round.

It was a 10-hour journey to Kazakhstan on Tuesday morning for Derry with their match with UCD last Sunday postponed to allow them ample rest for the long journey.

It's been a bit of a long few weeks for Ruaidhri Higgins and his side - alternating between packed Thursday night houses at the Brandywell and flights to the Faroes, Finland and now the verges of Asia.

With HB Torshavn of the Faroe Islands and KuPS from Finland accounted for, Higgins feels his players show grow from their achievements.

He said: "Some players started off with no European experience and some had plenty of it and you can see their confidence growing.

"Anyone who bothered to listen to me before the first game will know that I suggested Torshavn would be dangerous and their league was better than people thought.

"You look now and see KI Klaksvik in the third qualifying round of the Champions League, so our result in the Faroes and again against a quality KuPS side which had Finnish Internationals, have been really impressive.

"The players deserve so much credit, not just now, but over the last six months generally.

"We've had a lot to deal with in terms of injuries etc. but they've shown real resilience."

Asked if this team can now become the first Derry City side to reach the group stage play-off, the