FAI Cup final latest as Derry City ace Patrick McEleney eyes silver lining to frustrating season

Patrick McEleney is in talks with Derry City over a new deal - regardless of whether they secure European football or not.

Two weeks ago, the Candystripes were in the hunt for a league and cup double but let the opportunity slip through their grasp.

They have been consistently inconsistent and McEleney admits it was tough watching the league campaign fall apart so late in the title race. But Derry still have the chance to finish the season with a trophy, if they can beat Drogheda United in Sunday’s FAI Cup final.

Only a win will secure European football next summer, but club stalwart McEleney is not holding out on the outcome to cement his future.

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“I wouldn't say that I’m leaving if we’re not in Europe - we’re just trying to find a solution. This is all normal. I’m in talks with the club at the minute and hopefully we can get something sorted.”

McEleney is about to be involved in his ninth FAI Cup final, winning four of them and most recently with Derry in 2022.

“My advice to the players who haven't played in them is to just worry about what's in between the white lines, block out everything else, the stadium and the fans,” he said. “It's only what matters on the grass, I said that to Ronan Boyce before the final two years ago, just focus on what's on the pitch, everything else is background.”

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And while McEleney admits the last two weeks have been tough dealing with their league failings, he insists confidence won’t be an issue at Aviva Stadium.

McEleney added: “It was disappointing but it wasn't lost on the final night - it was weeks and weeks leading into it where we just couldn't hit the go button and we fell short. I can sit here and say it's been amazing and great, but it hasn't been.

“We got to a certain point in the season where people were going ‘Derry are going to kick on now’ and we just couldn't. It hurts, there's no getting away from it, it hurts for everybody, and we have something here that can rectify it slightly, winning one of the two trophies and that's our aim.”

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