Was Derry a really big win especially off the back of Bohs on the Friday?

“Yes, we were frustrated on Friday that we didn’t leave with three points. We obviously wanted to put that right on Monday and it was an important league game considering it’s two teams that are really close in the table. It was important that we got a good result, and we did that.”

Were you pleased with Rory Gaffney and Johnny Kenny’s performances as well as their developing understanding – Johnny’s turn and pass for Richie’s chance for example was superb and Rory was the match winner?

“I think Rory is the type of player that can play in any system and it’s very easy to fit players with him and both were very good on Monday. They both have different qualities. They complement each other so it was good to see the performance of both on Monday.”

Did we have to weather the opening 15 minutes and regroup, and also dig in second half, although there weren’t really shots on target for Leon deal with?

“They obviously started well for 10 or 15 minutes and had a few long-range efforts but other than that I thought we were OK. I think they had one shot on target in the game, there wasn’t anything second half that really troubled us. It was about our shape being right and not giving up any chances and we did that really well.”

There are two games left before Europe, both away in Louth. Is it about saying focused and trying to remain in the good position we’ve worked hard to put ourselves in next month?

“It’s about focusing on what’s in front of us, just like we did last Monday. We focus on what we do and the next game and that’s Dundalk. We want to keep our form and good run going.”

Rovers won well here 4-0 in March. Do you expect a tighter game this time around based on what you’ve seen of them the last few weeks?

“Dundalk are a good side, they’re well organised and have some good players. We know that it’s going to be difficult game, it’s never anything but that when you play them, home or away.”

What are Dundalk’s particular qualities and most dangerous players we’ll have to be weary of on Friday?

“You look at both wings as Kelly and O’Kane are good players, and Pat Hoban has scored an incredible number of goals in the league, so he’s always a threat. Then they’ve got good players in midfield so they’ve good players all over the pitch. You have to respect Dundalk and be at your very best if you want to win the game.”

Is the pitch at Oriel something you’ll factor in when picking your team, considering the number of injuries we’ve had and Europe being just around the corner?

“The pitch, it is what it is. You have to play on it. We have a similar surface in the training ground that we can prepare for so there’s no excuses. We’ll definitely look at the load that we’ve had and what’s coming when picking the team.”

Neil Farrugia and Jack Byrne were forced off with injury against Derry, what’s the latest on them? And how long will Lee Grace be out for?

“Neil will definitely miss tomorrow but we don’t think he’s too bad. Hopefully he’ll be back for next week. Jack is 50-50, and it’s probably a bit early for Lee. We’re looking at next week for him.”

Will Gary O’Neill and Ronan Finn be involved on Friday and is anyone else missing besides Trevor and Big Al?

“Gary will be out, but Ronan is OK. We’ll have to check on everyone else in the morning and there are no suspensions.”

You flew to Iceland on Tuesday to scout our potential Champions League opponents. How did it go?

“It was really good to see all the teams up close and get a feel for them. There were some high-quality teams. The Icelandic team [who play Podgorica of Montenegro in Friday’s final] are a good side so it was good to see them up close.”