Derry City have no 'divine right' to win in Europe: Declan Devine

The Derry boss felt his side had only themselves to blame for their 3-2 extra-time defeat to FK Riteriai in Vilnius, but stressed how 'crazy' the new one-legged format is.

Two away goals scored in the Lithuanian capital would've given the Brandywell club a fighting chance to progress if they had the luxury of a return leg at home.

Instead Derry had to play an 'expansive' game away from home which Devine felt cost his side a place in Monday's second round draw and a financial windfall of at least another £200,000.

And while the result was considered a 'missed opportunity', Devine said it's easy to underestimate how difficult a task League of Ireland clubs face in Europe, adding Derry has no 'divine right' to progress.

"The players worked so hard to get a result," said Devine. "Yes, we caused our own problems but they really worked hard.

"But let's not underestimate how difficult it can be in Europe. League of Ireland football hasn't been too successful in Europe quite recently. There hasn't been too many all singing, all dancing results from League of Ireland clubs.

"We put the expectations on ourselves and believe we're better than others but in reality we're fighting for our lives in Europe as a country.

"Yes, we're disappointed we didn't progress but we have no divine right to go through in Europe.

"We have to learn from that and make sure the next time we play in Europe we are a lot more focused on our defensive responsibilities and our ability to score goals.

"A one-off game made it so difficult," he explained. "It was crazy because we dominated the ball and created numerous chances to win the game. We just didn't get that second goal to put them to bed.

"It's in the past now and our next mission is to make sure we qualify for Europe again and as quickly as we possibly can."

Devine was dealt a huge blow ahead of the game against Riteriai as Walter Figueira and Jack Malone pulled up in training with hamstring strains.

"They really wanted to play and I wanted the two of them to play but if they had tweaked their hamstrings they're out for six weeks.

"That literally leaves you with the last couple of weeks of the season. We were disappointed the two boys weren't available as they would've been brilliant assets on Tuesday night.

"With the season the way it is you just can't take a risk with anybody. That was the biggest factor as I think the two of them would've had big roles to play in the European game.

"The two boys were absolutely devastated but they knew how big the risk of playing them was.

"So we went off the medical advice. It was a huge loss for us but you have to be safe. If you lost those two for the run-in you would be disgusted."

Joe Thomson got Derry off to a dream start as his 17th minute strike broke the deadlock after a commanding start by the visitors.

Two 'silly mistakes' gave the Lithuanians a way back into the contest, however as Gytis Paulauakas scored either side of the interval. Despite the result, Devine felt his team were the better side.

"I think we were a much better team than them. We had so many chances in the game but when you score the first goal you must get the second goal.

"If we got the second goal we would've had the tie won. Even when we got the second goal I felt we could win the game but the third goal was the real sucker punch as we were so on top at that stage.

"Even at that we still had chances to take the game to penalties. We gave away three poor goals and we must stop it. It just has to be stopped.

"But we've dominated the game in Lithuania and scored two away goals that in a normal season we would've been confident bringing it back to the Brandywell.

"We only have ourselves to blame that we didn't progress because we're better than them. The reality is you can't give away poor goals. We will learn from that experience."

Derry travel to Drogheda in the FAI Cup second round on Saturday and with plenty to play for in the league Devine is confident the club can finish the season strongly.

"It's just such a crazy environment but there's a lot of points to be fought for in the league now and I'm very determined to have a successful season. That's the players' mindset as well.

"These players aren't relocating to Derry just to see out a 12 game campaign. They came here to be successful and relaunch some careers and that's what we're trying to do - to be successful."