Gerard Lyttle said: “I thought we managed the game really well against Shamrock Rovers until they scored. Second half we didn’t come out as much as we would have liked to.

“We sat off and the defence was a bit deep. That was the disappointing thing and we spoke about it and showed them what we want this week.

“It’s hard enough going to Tallaght without giving them that much space. We started well and on another night could have taken the lead. They scored from the spell they dominated. There were some positives but we move on now and focus on the Derry.

“It’s important to have will and desire to get forward and keep the ball in important areas. We will be looking to get a bit more support for Mikey and go there with a good positive attitude.

“They’re a good team with good players and like the rest of the league, it’s on the day. This year we produced one of our best performances of the season in Derry. We moved it well, kept possession and concentration levels were great. We’re not going there thinking we can just turn up and a good performance will come.

“We have to earn it. It’s going to be tough and we need to be at our best in terms of focus. When you face a Kenny Shiels side, I know what he’s like, what type of manager and person he is. I worked under him as a player. They had a great win over St Pat’s last week.

“We have to focus on Sligo Rovers, it’s on ourselves. We need to be winning games and get points on the board.”