Damien Duff has maintained that the focus of his team, Shelbourne, is on winning the League of Ireland Premier Division title, dismissing the notion of offering congratulations for the team’s securement of European football for the upcoming season following their victory over Drogheda United.
Shelbourne managed a hard-fought 2-1 win against Drogheda United at Tolka Park on Friday, resulting in the league becoming a contest strictly between Shelbourne and Shamrock Rovers. At present, Rovers trail by five points, however, they reserve a game in hand against Dundalk on Sunday, a match that can bring them within a two-point margin if victorious. Shelbourne’s final match of the season is slated for next Friday against Derry City, while Rovers will play host to Waterford.
Duff praised the composure of his team during their successful match against Drogheda, and was pleased by their performance. However, he reinforced that their mission is not yet complete. Duff stated, “I believe we have secured our place in Europe, but I reminded the players that our ambition is higher. Celebrations for earning a spot in Europe are not for us, we are pursuing something greater.”
With respect to Sunday’s game, Duff warned against undervaluing Dundalk, citing its proud history and the talents within the squad. He mentioned that he might even be present to watch the match.
In terms of the title and European permutations, Shelbourne could secure their first league title with a triumph over Derry City at the Brandywell or if Shamrock Rovers fall short in their matches against Dundalk or Waterford. Regardless, Shelbourne is confirmed for a place in the Uefa Conference League qualifying next season.
Shamrock Rovers stand a chance to bag their fifth consecutive title with an added six points if they overcome Dundalk this coming Sunday and defeat Waterford the following Friday at home, providing Shelbourne is unsuccessful against Derry City. If Rovers are triumphant in their two matches and Shelbourne reaches a stalemate with Derry, the superior goal average held by Rovers would earn them the championship title. Nevertheless, if Rovers’ performance falls behind Derry City and St Pat’s, and Derry City yields to Drogheda in the FAI Cup final, Rovers risks missing out on European tournament.
Derry City, following the defeat to St Pat’s last Friday, has been ruled out as potential league victors. The attention will now shift to the upcoming FAI Cup final, which could grant them a spot in European football, or to securing a spot in the top three in case they lose the final.
St Patrick’s Athletic has pulled off the remarkable feat of eight successive victories, yet it falls short of snatching the highly unlikely championship. Even so, they have paved their way towards European football, where a ninth consecutive victory would ensure a position in the top three. If Derry secures the FAI Cup, their European football spot will be confirmed.