Damien Duff: 'Despite all his ability, one thing we tried to hammer home was his off-the-ball movement'

TOP OF THE LEAGUE: Shelbourne head coach Damien Duff'is enjoying a six point cushion at the top of the league. Pic: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne

Damien Duff believes Shelbourne’s surge to the summit has proven they’re more a one-man team.

As he goes into Friday’s visit of Sligo Rovers to Tolka Park enjoying a six-point lead by the midway stage of the season, the Reds boss revealed the perception of his team centred on the contribution of Will Jarvis.

The Hull City winger is in his second loan stint with the leaders after being instrumental in the club’s rise to a fourth-placed finish last season and first European qualification for 17 years.

Jarvis has again been enjoying imperious form this term, recovering from a facial injury that forced him off against St Patrick’s Athletic to produce a man-of-the-match display in last Friday’s statement win at Shamrock Rovers.

Opposition being attracted to the wing wizard has perhaps freed up space for others and Duff made a point of highlighting how his teammates have seized it.

“Early on this season, Will was in amazing form and so feared,” the Ireland centurion said.

“Probably teams were looking at us, wondering if we were a one-trick pony, wondering did everything in our attack revolve around Will.

“That’s not the case – and it’s up to the other players to stand and deliver.

“People have delivered. Look at Matty Smith last week, winning both penalties against Rovers. Seán Boyd has scored big goals for us too.” 

A winger of some repute in his day, Duff is ideally position to guide Jarvis.

“Will is a marked man. I told him, don’t be fooled — your season gets more difficult as a marked man. He have a target on your back. Despite all his ability, one thing we tried to hammer home was his off-the-ball movement.

“Be more aggressive, lose your marker, find space, make more penetrating runs. He needs many strings to his bow; don’t just dribble, be the full package. That’s what we’re seeing in recent weeks. I was never worried. I don’t think he had a dip in form. He was getting a lot of extra attention from the opposition.” 

It’s a double match long weekend for most teams but international call-ups have led to two of Monday’s series being postponed.

Second-placed Derry City can profit, should they prevail away to Dundalk on Friday and at home to Waterford three days later.

“You look at Dundalk’s league position and might think they're struggling,” noted Derry boss Ruaidhrí Higgins about the basement Lilywhites.

“Then you look at the stats and see a team that hasn't conceded a single goal in their last six home games.

"They have really tightened up at the back and there’s quality both in midfield and attack with players in there who have league winners' medals.

"I think Jon Daly is a great appointment for them and I'll wish him every success at about 10 o'clock on Friday night.” 

High-flying Galway United will aim to extend Stephen Kenny’s winless start in the league at St Patrick’s Athletic. They then welcome Dundalk on Monday.

“We'll have to earn the right to play, we want to pass the ball the way the players can and try to get control,” said Kenny about renewing the rivalry with John Caulfield he began when Dundalk sparred with Cork City for supremacy.

“Galway United have had a fine season having got promoted last year. They've built on that, are in very good form and deserve credit.

“It's the first of another three matches in a week. We'll have to be at our best to get a result and that's what we'll be aiming to do."