Derry City boss Ruaidhrí Higgins laughed at Leigh Griffiths and James McClean links

Higgins revealed that four different people told him that former Celtic and Scottish striker Leigh Griffiths had signed for the club for next season and the Limavady man was quick to consign those rumours to the rubbish bin.

The Limavady man also laughed off suggestions that Creggan man James McClean is returning to his hometown club for the 2023 season.

"It's funny, I actually went to the dump on Monday and I was there for about two minutes, throwing a lot of bags into the skip and two work men said 'I hear Leigh Griffiths is done' and then literally two other people, who were also at the dump said the same," he explained.

"So within two minutes, four people basically said; 'I heard that you got Leigh Griffiths done' and to be honest it made my morning, it was funny actually."

As for McClean, who has always admitted that he wants to finish his playing career with his hometown club, Higgins was quick to point out that some time in the future a return may happen, but he doesn't see it happening anytime soon.

Rumours amongst supporters and social media have been rife in recent weeks, especially as McClean's contract at Championship side Wigan finishes at the end of the season and as he closes in on his 100th cap with Republic of Ireland.

However Higgins feels those two reasons are exactly why a return to the Brandywell for the talented winger, isn't on the cards in the near future.

"Look, I would take James every day of the week, but it's unrealistic," explained the Derry gaffer.

"James is a massive supporter of the club and I have a personal relationship with him, but he's 33 and he's playing every week in the Championship, he's closing in on a 100 caps for Ireland.

"We're talking about someone who is playing for Ireland and playing in the Championship every week, let's get real people.

"Obviously you would never rule it out in the future, but James is covering as much ground now, as what he covered when he was 25.

"He loves the club, he's a supporter of the club, follows us and he's a proud Derry man and he's delighted when we do well, but that's all it is at the minute."