Stronger squad is pushing Derry on, says Higgins

Derry City manager Ruadhari Higgins believes his squad's improved strength and depth was the difference between them and Shamrock Rovers in their Extra.ie FAI Cup quarter-final victory.

The Candystripes took the early lead courtesy of a Jamie McGonigle's header before Lee Grace was sent-off for the Hoops and Derry awarded a first-half penalty, which Cameron Dummigan missed.

Rovers levelled things through Rory Gaffney to take the tie into extra-time before goals from Daniel Lafferty and Brandon Kavanagh sealed a 3-1 victory for Higgins' men.

It was only the second time in the last 15 meetings of the two sides in which Derry came out on top and Higgins believes that the club’s summer signings were pivotal.

One of those signings, Brandon Kavanagh, played a pivotal role as he came off the bench to score the crucial third goal for Derry in extra-time.

"It’s a brilliant win here," the Derry boss said afterwards. "I thought we maybe should have been more in front at half-time.

"They changed their system, obviously they were down to 10 men but they were very smart with their system. We got it over the line but they were fantastic for a period in the second half, so credit to them.

"We’ve been guilty maybe probably over the last while of not going and getting the second goal and it was the same here but I don’t care, the cup is about getting into the next round.

"We played Rovers back in May and we didn’t have the depth that night to go on and at least get a point.

"We’ve added quite well in the summer and you’ve seen the players we were able to get off the bench – Brandon Kavangh’s first goal for the club and what a night to get it on.

"He took the goal brilliantly. He’s found himself out of the team the last few weeks but that’s the way