Dervin: "We just have to find a way to win", as Dundalk face Bohs' challenge
Lilywhites midfielder Aodh Dervin looks ahead to taking on the Gypsies on Friday night
Dundalk FC vice-captain Aodh Dervin says his side are ready to go again after last week's dramatic victory over Galway United as they prepare for another major SSE Airtricity League Premier Division test against Bohemians on Friday night.
However, Dervin insists there is little value in dwelling on previous results in a league where fortunes can change fast.
He said: “It was a good win last Friday, and it was obviously it wasn't ideal way to go to Cork and everything, but we went up, we got the win, we didn't say much, and obviously we're full of confidence going into both.
“We're confident, we're happy, but as good as last Friday was, it's gone now, and we have to do it all again this week.
“Obviously, people are on about everything that went on before, but we knew that we had to go down and win, and we did that, so it makes it that much sweeter.”
The Lilywhites face a Bohemians side firmly in the mix near the top end of the table.
“No, no game's easy. Obviously, they're a very good side, they're battling it out up there, so, look, we know what's expected and what it takes to win and, as you said, the second half we can't have a repeat of that.”
The midfielder pointed to the quality throughout the Bohs squad, including recent Republic of Ireland call-up Dawson Devoy.
“Dawson just got called in as well, so look, we know how good they are, we know what they have, but we just have to worry about ourselves and see where it takes us.
“It's the next game, you can't look too far ahead, and results in this league, one or two bad results in this league and people talk about the opposite, so you just win what's in front of you and then see what happens.”
The Premier Division table remains close, and Dundalk could move above the Gypsies and into third place with another victory.
“Look and then if you lose, you're down the other side of it, so you just have to take care of what's in front of you.
“Every team in this league is a hard game, so look, we win, see where it takes us, come the end of the season, then you can you can start talking about it.”
Dalymount atmosphere
Dalymount Park is expected to provide a noisey backdrop on Friday night, and Dervin is looking forward to the occasion.
“It's what you want, you want a bit of an atmosphere going. Look, last Friday we didn't really have much of an atmosphere because of everything that went on.
“So, we'll relish that, we love an atmosphere so that's what gets you up in the morning.”
The Longford native believes big occasions are there to be enjoyed rather than feared.
“Yeah, of course. I think we all will. I think if you're scared of going into a game, it's not good. The atmosphere, to get behind their team and everything like that, look, we love it.
“Especially after last Friday, when we didn't have as much of an atmosphere. Look, we can't wait for it. It's a great place to play.”
Leader
Now serving as vice-captain, Dervin says he is enjoying the added responsibility, particularly alongside captain Daryl Horgan.
“I love it, yeah, obviously with ‘Horgs’ (Daryl Horgan) as well, it's brilliant, learning off him every day, he played 17 times for Ireland, so there's not much better that you can learn off.
“I think it's not just me or Horgs, I think we all know that we can't get too high, we can't get too low and just every Friday night you deal with what's in front of you and then see where it takes you.”
The midfielder has built a reputation for his combative style and work rate in the centre of the park and sees that as a basic requirement.
“That's what I have to do; there is nothing else to it. You just have to make yourself known and get around it and see where it takes you.
“But if I wasn't determined, I might be the opposite, so you can't really be praised for being determined and giving everything you have because I think that's the bare minimum.”
Ciarán Kilduff
Dervin believes the culture created by manager Ciarán Kilduff has been a major factor behind Dundalk's encouraging campaign.
“Yeah, it's been really good and look, the manager has us playing the way he wants to, and we all play for each other, so that's more down to the manager.
“Obviously, we have to go on to the pitch, but the belief he puts into us is unbelievable.”
The mix of youth and experience within the squad has also impressed throughout the season.
“Yeah, yeah, look, everybody that trains with us and everybody that's involved has a chance every week.
“You can see that the manager's not afraid to put people in, so I think that gives them that extra motivation.
“Even Shane Tracy comes in, and he looks like he's been playing for how long? He's only 20 years of age, so people like that and they know that there's an extra chance, so it keeps them on their toes.”
Dervin also reserved special praise for Tyreke Wilson, whose winning goal against Galway continued a string of eye-catching displays.
“He's flying, he's unbelievable. Thank God he's with us, and he's not with anyone else because he's been flying.
“Even without the goals, he's just, I don't know if there's a better left back in the country than him.”
Mentality
As Dundalk prepare for another difficult task, Dervin says there will be no change to their mentality.
“Yeah, we know it's going to be tough. We just have to find a way to win.
“I think no matter who we're playing against, we don't try and draw games, we just try and win and make sure that we're at it because if we're not at it, we know what happens.
“We've seen the second half; we played them last time.”
The 26-year-old also admits experience has helped him deal with the disciplinary demands of his role.
“I'm old enough now where I'm used to it nearly but no, look, I knew at the start of the year I was probably getting booked too much, and that was giving people decisions to make.
“You just try and not get booked, but if you get booked, you get booked. You just have to stick at it.
“You can't do that because then there's no point in me being on the pitch if that's the case.
“Maybe when you're younger, yeah, but I've played enough games to know now that I just can't change too much.
“Obviously, there's times where you decide whether to go in or not, but if the ball's there to be won, you can't pull out of it.”
Youth
Among the biggest positives for Dundalk this season has been the emergence of several young players.
“Yeah, you can see the way that they're playing. They've been brilliant, so it's great to see, but you see them every week.
“It's not just you see them on a Friday, you see them every day, so as good as it is to see, it's not a surprise either because you know how good they are.”