DERRY BOSS OWES PAT'S HIS THANKS

DERRY CITY

- MICHAEL SCULLY

DERRY CITY boss Ruaidhri Higgins was in Glasgow Airport on Sunday evening when temptation got the better of him and he watched the FAI Cup penalty shootout on his phone.

He had decided to avoid the game so instead of heading to the Aviva Stadium he went to Celtic Park to watch the hosts beat Aberdeen 2-1.

He kept tabs on what was happening in Dublin. A win for St Pat's would guarantee Derry's qualification for the Europa League Conference, but a Bohs victory would hand it to the Gypsies themselves.

He was obviously pleased with the outcome, as the Saints prevailed, courtesy of his former teammate Robbie Benson's spot-kick.

"I was delighted, but I had to keep my emotions in check, given where I was," laughed Higgins (top).