Artificial surface holding Derry City back - says Treaty United boss Tommy Barrett

The Limerick man has tipped Ruaidhri Higgins' in-form side to go on and lift the FAI Cup after ending the First Division's remarkable journey in the competition with a 2-1 semi-final defeat on Foyleside.

He believes Higgins troops are better suited to playing on a grass pitch with the Aviva Stadium tailor-made for the Candy Stripes' playing style.

"I think they're favourites and I think the grass pitch will suit them better," he said. "It's difficult to play on an astro pitch. The style of football they want to play, you end up rushing things on an astro and it bounces differently and it's awkward.

"Those lads are going to be a lot better on a grass pitch and especially a good grass pitch like the Aviva. Their away form has proven that as well."

Derry threatened to run riot after scoring twice in seven first half minutes on Sunday but Treaty dug in and Enda Curran's penalty on the half hour mark gave they something to cling onto.

They made it difficult for Derry who missed a host of chances to put the tie to bed earlier and Barrett reckons it could've been a lot easier for the home side if it wasn't for the plastic surface.

"Considering the astro . . I think if we play them on grass they'd probably pick you off," he continued. "I don't think the pitch suits Derry to be honest.

"We quietened the crowd a bit in the second half but they're a really good crowd and it was really good atmosphere. It's a great place to come.

"We know we're well off them. It would be nice to have won but we don't want a moral victory either. We lost. That's it. End of story.

"They were better than us but I think we have to be proud. We have three hours a week together whereas Derry probably have 33 hours together. It makes a huge difference."