Tiernan Lynch retains faith ahead of HNK Rijeka home leg and urges his players to keep their confidence

UEFA Conference League second qualifying round, second leg: Derry City v HNK Rijeka (Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, Thursday, July 30, 6.30pm)

Derry City manager Tiernan Lynch is urging his players to retain their belief in staying in the hunt for European football as they prepare for a crucial UEFA Conference League home match against HNK Rijeka on Thursday, July 30, at 6:30 pm.

Lynch feels that Derry City, who are trailing 1-0 from the first leg, just need to stick to their game plan and is confident they can produce the goods when it matters. 'For us this tie is very much alive,' Lynch insisted. 'I’ve been involved in a lot of European games now and the biggest obstacle that you probably have is that the players sometimes go into the games maybe not full of confidence; they maybe give just a little bit too much respect to the opposition, and I think if you can take that away it’s great.'

Lynch believes that Derry City need to start European games how they finish recent matches. 'If we score please God in say the 80th minute and we take the game to extra-time we’ll take that,' he added.

The manager also highlighted the importance of the fans' support, saying, 'Our fans were absolutely and utterly unbelievable in the CSKA game in the Brandywell, and they dragged us through that game for long periods, and if we can get that same desire, passion, I think it’s going to be a very different night for them.'

Croatian international Toni Fruk, who scored the only goal in last Thursday's first leg, is now attracting interest from clubs such as Premier League side Hull City and Dutch giants Ajax. However, Lynch remains focused on his team's performance rather than their financial situation. 'Rijeka’s playing budget is £8 million, CSKA Sofia’s budget was £12 million, and there’s definitely levels,' he said. 'But as I keep telling the players, it’s 11 v 11 when you step onto the pitch.'

Lynch emphasized that Derry City need to take away Rijeka's time on the ball and space while maintaining their game plan. He also highlighted the importance of set-pieces and mistakes in scoring opportunities. 'On Thursday night there’s definitely going to be one of those situations where no matter what as long as we’re still in the game, we’re always getting a chance,' he concluded.

Christy Crogan continues to struggle with an ankle issue, while new signing Brooklyn Lyons-Foster is also an injury concern after limping off during the first leg match against HNK Rijeka.