Ruaidhri Higgins hails Grimsby Town bound Cameron McJannet as a 'brilliant servant' for Derry City

The 25 year-old former Stoke City defender came off the bench at Dalymount Park and assisted Danny Mullen for a 93rd minute winner against Bohemians which could prove to be his final contribution to the club after almost four years on Foyleside.

Higgins claimed Derry City and Grimsby have been locked in talks about a deal to bring the player to Blundell Park but it's understood those talks are at a more advanced stage with a fee believed to have been agreed between the clubs.

The League of Ireland transfer window opens on July 1st and so he will likely be available for the first game after the midseason break against Drogheda United at Brandywell on June 28th which could be the player's final farewell in front of the home support.

When asked about the imminent transfer, Higgins explained McJannet – who scored twice in the 2022 FAI Cup Final – has always harboured a desire to return to England.

"There's obviously been discussions between the two clubs," confirmed Higgins. "Cameron's contract is up at the end of the season. He's an English lad and I can understand it to be honest. He's from that part of the world and has a desire to go back there."

Higgins also claimed the left-sided centre half who made 142 appearances for the Candy Stripes since signing in 2020 'won't renew' his contract and said it was important it was the right deal for both parties.

"I can't speak highly enough of him, he's been a brilliant servant to the club and he's been great for me. He's been here from the first day I walked in the door so we'll see what happens.

"It's important that it's right for the club but also we have to respect Cameron’s wishes as well. His contract is up at the end of the season and he won't renew it. He's an English lad and has always harboured ambitions of going back over to England. If it does materialise he'll go with our best wishes."

Should the player agree terms with Grimsby, Higgins is confident he has enough cover in the defensive department going into the final part of the season but the City boss hasn't ruled out dipping into the transfer market for a replacement.

"We obviously have Shane [McEleney] and Mark [Connolly] who are in brilliant form. Sam Todd who is going to be a top player and Ciaran Coll can play in there as well so we have options.

“It's not desperation but we will be looking. We have really good options in that department. If Cameron does move on we have good options and we might look to add. We'll see."