Ruaidhri Higgins happy with squad despite a number of early-season injury setbacks

Derry City manager Ruaidhri Higgins insists he feels confident with his squad despite suffering a number of early injury setbacks already this season.

The Candystripes were dealt a huge blow to their endeavours this season after Michael Duffy suffered a fractured tibia in his first game back for his hometown club on Monday night.

It comes after midfielder Ciaron Harkin suffered a ruptured ACL during Derry's win over Shamrock Rovers last month.

Meanwhile, Higgins also revealed that Joe Thomson and Patrick McEleney picked up knocks last week and Mattie Smith is continuing to recover from illness.

"We've had various injury concerns right from the start of the season but we've navigated a way around them," the Derry manager said.

"People focus a lot of attention on our new signings and rightly so, but the players who have been available have been excellent."

"I'm very happy with the squad of players we have here and the attitude in our preparation has been absolutely spot on.

"We're working off the same squad for this as we did on Monday night, with the exception of Michael Duffy."

Meanwhile, Derry welcome the current league leaders St Patrick's Athletic on Friday for a top of the table clash.

Tim Clancy's side have won four of their six outings to date with the unbeaten Candystripes a point behind in third but with a match in hand.

"St Pats have great quality in their squad, especially in attack. They have really good options upfront, but then again so have we," Ruaidhri Higgins added.

"Friday nights at the Brandywell bring a special atmosphere and I'm hoping we can recreate that this week because it really gives the boys a lift."