Connolly: FAI Cup can put little bit of pride back into our season

​Derry's interim boss watched the Students first hand in a 2-1 loss to Treaty United at the Bowl last week and saw enough to know the Candy Stripes won't have it all their own way.

"UCD are actually a really good team," said Connolly. "Over the years they've produced some really, really good players. They play a style of football that's really attractive.

"Willie O'Connor is obviously a local, not far from Derry and a really good coach. So I know for a fact it will be a really difficult game. "They're young, enthusiastic, full of legs and have good players so we know it's going to be a difficult game and it's something we're taking very, very seriously."

UCD, currently third in the First Division table, are battling for a promotion play-off spot and scored 10 goals in their last four matches, including five against runaway league leaders Cork City.

"I watched that game and the last number of games as well. They're a good team and it will be tough. We have some good players and we will give them the respect they deserve, but we have good players who can hurt any team in this country."

The Monaghan man won the FAI Cup with Derry back in 2022 with a 4-0 victory over Shelbourne at the Aviva Stadium and knows how cup fever can sweep through the city.

He's hoping an extended cup run and potential to reach a third final in five years can galvanise the club which has had its fair share of hard knocks over recent months.

The fact the cup offers an avenue into European football next year makes it a top priority for Connolly as he assumes the manager role for however long he's needed.

"I'm not sure how long this will go on for but for me, I've had two cup finals. One I won and one I lost. The one we lost wasn't nice but I know the day out for families and friends and fans in the city is just amazing.

"When you can take 20,000 plus to Dublin which is a long, long way and people spent a lot of money to do that. If we can give them that opportunity again it would be amazing. It's not going to be easy, it starts on Friday night but hopefully we can get there." It's a chance to salvage a tumultuous campaign.

"There's no getting away from it; it's been a disappointing season for one reason or another. Now we're trying to finish the season off as best we can and take a little bit of pride from the season.

"You're not going to win every week but I think as long as fans see you giving absolutely everything and playing with that bit of freedom they will be happy with that."

The Bowl at Belfield can be a difficult venue when it comes to generating an atmosphere but Connolly insists his players won't need any extra motivation to perform with so much at stake.

"If there's not a massive crowd – and fingers crossed there will be a good Derry crowd that goes – but ultimately as a player, these are big games. We have nine league games left and hopefully a cup run to kick on so every game is important. The next game is obviously the most important but every single game is really important.

"The pitch, parts of it were worn and it didn't look ideal from the sides when I was down last. Obviously when you're on it, it might be a bit different but I'm looking forward to the game and hopefully we get a good crowd down there."