Ruaidhri Higgins won't rush Michael Duffy back and insists nothing has changed in his ambitions for the season despite Derry City's fast climb to the Premier Division summit.
Many observers are tipping the Candystripes for a title push after Higgins made a number of strong additions to his squad, including former Dundalk trio Patrick McEleney, Michael Duffy and Will Patching.
McEleney scored the all important winner against Shels on Friday to push Derry to the top of the table on the back of two wins and two draws.
A calm Higgins stresses that the aim remains the same. "To qualify for Europe," he said. "That’s the expectation.
"We’re four games into a 36-game season. If you want me to stand here and say that (we can compete)...Shamrock Rovers are the benchmark, in terms of squad depth and quality they are miles ahead of every club in Ireland, absolutely miles ahead.
"They have set the standards and it’s up to the rest to catch. We’re not even thinking about that, we’ve a quick turnaround and play UCD and Drogheda next weekend.
"We need to try and keep putting points on the board.
"If you take any game lightly in this league, you get turned over but if you treat it with respect, and prepare in the right manner, then I think we’re a match for anybody.
"I'm delighted. We’ve taken eight points from four really difficult fixtures.
"We’re only getting Matty Smith back, Patrick McEleney is getting himself going, we’ve not had the luxury of Michael Duffy on our team yet.
"So I think we’re in a good position, it’s a good points return given the standard of opposition we’ve faced."
Asked if he was surprised that Rovers had lost twice already, Higgins responded: "They’re not renowned for that are they? I can only focus on what we do and keep moving this thing on."
The mercurial Duffy is yet to play for Derry in his second stint with the club, but is almost ready after a hamstring injury.
"He’s not too far away," said Higgins.
"We’ll see how the week goes but it would be irresponsible of myself and the staff to rush him back too soon. We have to think about the season and not the next week or two."
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