Ruaidhri Higgins claims Shamrock Rovers already have one hand on the title but insists Derry City will keep the heat on the Hoops.
The Candystripes will move back within a point of Rovers if they can beat Sligo Rovers at the Ryan McBride Brandywell tonight.
And then on Sunday evening, they host Shamrock Rovers in the standout tie of the FAI Cup quarter-finals.
Derry started the season on fire, only to lose their way and their grip on top spot as Rovers reeled them in and kicked clear.
But Higgins is overseeing a revival of their fortunes and Derry go into tonight’s clash with Sligo Rovers unbeaten in their last nine games.
They have won their last four without conceding and intend hanging tough in the title race, even though they will have played two games more than Rovers by tonight.
