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Heat is on as Derry look for result

UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE WITH TEMPERATURES set to hit 33 degrees in the Bulgarian capital today, Derry City’s tactical approach to…

PAUL BUTTNER In Sofia
Thu Jul 30 2009 - 01:00

UEFA EUROPA LEAGUEWITH TEMPERATURES set to hit 33 degrees in the Bulgarian capital today, Derry City's tactical approach to tonight's Uefa Europa League, third qualifying round, first leg, against CSKA Sofia is paramount if they are to keep the tie alive for the return at the Brandywell next week.

And though fully aware of the conditions and the step up in class from their Latvian opponents in the last round, manager Stephen Kenny stresses his side possesses good European experience and that they should not fear CSKA in the Vassil Levski Stadium this evening.

“We come here with the confidence of having beaten Skonto Riga. We want to make sure that when we bring them back to the Brandywell that we’re still very much in the tie,” said Kenny.

“They have very good pedigree, but we’ve players with experience of winning games in Europe. We’re not fearful of CSKA. We know that we’re going to have to get a hold of possession and try to make sure we stay in the game.

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“Though it’s a step up we shouldn’t be fearful. We shouldn’t under-estimate ourselves. We can’t play a 4-5-1 and look to defend. That will inevitably end in defeat.

“We’ve got to try and get on the ball and create goalscoring opportunities. If we can get that vital away goal it could be crucial.”

Warm favourites they may be, CSKA are out of season and Derry have the additional slight advantage of the away leg first.

“It’s their first competition game of the season, so it’s a big game for them as well and I don’t think they’ll be treating it lightly,” added Kenny.

“We’ll have to modify our game. We can’t play a pressing game for 90 minutes. We’ll have to be intelligent in the way we press them when they have the ball.”

Veteran captain Peter Hutton epitomises the experience Kenny cites having first played in Europe back in 1992.

Central defender Hutton, now 36, also played here with Derry before when they lost narrowly to Lokomotiv Sofia 14 years ago.

“They are strong, strong favourites. They are at home and the onus is on them. But we hope we can catch them cold and keep the tie alive,” said Hutton.

Left-back Steven Gray (ankle ligaments) is Kenny’s chief selection concern as midfielders Kevin Deery (knee) and Ciarán Martyn (shoulder) hope to be passed fit.