Sligo striker Junior to put Derry City friendships aside in cup clash

The Londoner, who topped the scoring charts with 14 league goals for Derry last season, is preparing for a tough encounter as Sligo Rovers host the Candy Stripes in the twice rescheduled FAI Cup quarter-final. (K.o. 7.30p.m.)

It’s the second time this season Junior will have come up against Declan Devine’s side and he doesn’t expect any sentiment against a ‘dangerous’ City team hoping to salvage something from a disappointing season.

“Even when Derry play other games I feel like I kind of support them,” said the Sligo striker. “I’ll watch the game and I hope they do well but of course on Friday it’s different, I’ll be hoping we get the win and beat them,” he laughed.

“There’s no sentiment there. It’s always nice to play against them, old friends and old managers and it’s a good feeling, but hopefully I can do well against them on Friday.”

Sligo go into the midweek cup clash with momentum after finishing in fourth place in the league following their final day 2-0 victory over Dundalk.

The Bit O’Red have beaten Derry home and away in the league this season but Junior reckons the form book goes out the window when there’s a semi-final spot up for grabs.

“We’re on a good run but going into a cup game anything could happen and I wouldn’t rely on form,” said the ex-Colchester United man.

“Derry will be thinking they need to bounce back so it will be a dangerous game. If we’re too relaxed and think because we’ve beaten them twice we will beat them again, we could be in trouble. It’s a very tough one and they will have a point to prove. I’ve no doubt it will be very tough.”

By finishing fourth in the league it was very much a mission accomplished for Sligo and Junior who snubbed a return to Brandywell in favour of linking up with Liam Buckley in the summer.

However, he’s now got his eye on the prize as the Bit O’Red plot a path to the final.

“I feel by achieving fourth place we can go into the game with less pressure on us.

“We have to go out there to win but I feel like a lot of pressure has been lifted as we have achieved what we set out to do when I got here.

“Myself and the boys have worked really hard and we’re just happy we finished in fourth.

“Having said that, even before the season finished we’ve always said we wanted to try and win the cup so that’s our aim now.”

The winner of Wednesday’s tie will meet holders and recently crowned league champions, Shamrock Rovers in the last four after the Hoops' controversial 3-2 win over Finn Harps at Ballybofey at the weekend.

It’s arguably the most difficult path to the final with Athlone playing Dundalk in the other semi-final.

“This time we’re going against Derry and potentially against Shamrock Rovers if we beat Derry so if we’re to make it to the final it’s going to be tough.

“We can only beat what’s in front of us and hopefully we can do that. The game against Derry, however, is going to be very tough. They have a lot to play for as well.”

Derry striker James Akintunde is a childhood friend of Junior’s but again, the Sligo man isn’t expecting any favours from his old pal.

“I’ve known him from a young age. He’s a direct player and scores goals and I’m happy he’s doing well at Derry but he hopefully he doesn’t do too good against us.”