Darren Cole's family and friends were surprised by the standard of the League of Ireland when they come over from Scotland to watch him.
But that assessment was usually based on the teams fighting it out towards the top end of the table.
During his near two-year stay with the Candystripes, that did not always apply to Derry City.
Now, Cole believes they can count themselves in that bracket even if results against the heavyweights have been mixed.
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But ahead of tonight’s clash with St Pat’s, defender Cole is drawing on the positives from last week’s 2-2 draw away to champions Dundalk.
Derry were 2-0 down until Cole got the ball rolling with a second-half goal before Eoghan Stokes snatched a precious point with a late penalty.
Cole told Mirror Sport: “We knew it would be a good test but the character coming from 2-0 down speaks volumes about us.
“We’ve been getting good results against lower opposition but it’s about picking off some of the bigger ones and building on that.
“St Pat’s are a good side but you don’t know what to expect from them as they’ve been hot and cold.”
Derry won 3-1 at Richmond Park last month and Cole continued: “They’re a bit more direct now which might suit us. If we score early, we feel we can manage the game.
“We’re playing well and Deccie (Devine) is great with the players. When a manager is like that, the players give it back.
“My friends and family didn’t know what to expect coming over to watch games as you don’t hear about Irish football in Scotland.
“They were in the dark but once they saw it for themselves, they realised the standard is excellent - especially towards the top.
“We’re picking up results and it’s been a good start to the season but we know we’ve more to come.”
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Cole joined Derry shortly after their captain Ryan McBride died suddenly in 2017 and admits it was a trying season for all concerned thereafter.
Former Derry boss Kenny Shiels signed him, having had Cole on the books when in charge of Greenock Morton.
“I feel very at home here,” said Cole, who joined Rangers aged 12 and made his first-team debut in a Champions League clash against Bursaspor aged 17.
“I’ve a girlfriend here and I love Derry, it’s such a unique place. It’s one of the reasons I came back this season.
“There’s more of a buzz about the place this year and you can see what the results mean to the people.
“The city took such a hit when Ryan passed away. It was a struggle getting the confidence back but everyone is in it for the club this year.”
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