Derry City winger Darragh Burns has called for one final push from the squad to salvage their season and chase European qualification. The Candystripes face Bohemians at Dalymount Park on Friday night, a match Burns describes as vital for their ambitions. Speaking to the Derry Journal this week, the summer signing outlined the team's clear targets for the closing weeks.
Burns believes Derry can still fight for a top-four finish and sees the FAI Cup as a parallel route to Europe. The team's recent form has improved, with back-to-back league wins for the first time since April providing a platform. "We believe we can get back into the European positions," Burns said. "We want to get back into the top three or four and go and win the cup."
What are Derry City's European qualification chances?
With nine games remaining in the Premier Division, Derry sit sixth, eleven points behind Friday's opponents Bohemians. A victory in Dublin would close that gap and reignite hopes of catching the teams above. Fourth place could offer a potential European playoff spot depending on the cup winners, while winning the FAI Cup guarantees group stage football. The draw has been kind, handing Derry a home quarter-final against Dundalk. Burns, who won the cup with St Patrick's Athletic in 2021, knows its value. "Every team now will be licking their lips looking at a day in the Aviva," he said.
You can track the race for European places on our standings page.
How has Mark Connolly impacted the team?
Since taking interim charge, Mark Connolly has overseen an upturn in results and intensity. Burns pointed to a change in training standards as a key factor behind the two consecutive victories. "The intensity in training has been ramped up a little bit and everyone is happy," the winger explained. "He demands good standards. People working hard. He doesn't accept people not running." This renewed focus has helped Burns settle quickly after his July move from Grimsby Town, a transfer that saw him return to the League of Ireland after a previous loan spell.
What can we expect from the Bohemians clash?
Friday's match at Dalymount Park is likely to be the last league game at the old ground before its redevelopment. Burns anticipates a hostile atmosphere from the home support, particularly the Jodi Stand. "I've played there plenty of times now and got plenty of stick," he laughed. "It's going to be hostile, probably a sell-out." Both teams favour an attacking style, which promises an open contest. Burns hopes the goals only go one way. "Hopefully we can go down there and get three points and hopefully it's not a goalscoring fest."
Check the full schedule for the run-in on our fixtures page.
How is Burns settling in at Derry City?
The 23-year-old admits it took a few games to find his rhythm after joining without a pre-season, but he now feels back to his best. He is building strong connections on the pitch, particularly with attacking players like Michael Duffy and James Clarke. "Mickey was player of the year last year - the best player in the league," Burns noted, highlighting the quality around him. His integration into the squad has been smooth off the pitch too. "The lads have made me feel really welcome and it's a great group to come into."
With the season reaching its climax, Derry's objectives are clear. The focus is on maintaining their improved form to climb the table and progressing in the cup. The next test comes at a packed Dalymount, where a positive result would significantly boost their pursuit of a memorable end to the campaign. View the full roster contributing to this push on our squad page.
