The 39-year-old feels that the Candystripes are a force to be reckoned with when everyone is pulling in the same direction and backing his players when they take to the pitch.

Higgins believes a good travelling support to Tolka Park for their big encounter, which will be shown live on Virgin Media, will help his squad as they look to close the gap at the League summit on Damien Duff’s side, who currently have a three-point cushion over Derry.

“We’re not seventh or eighth in the League, we’re second and in the next round of the Cup,” stated Higgins.

“I think that this is such a powerful club when we all stick together — and when I say that, that’s everybody.

“We’re not going to win every game between now and the end of the season as much as we’d like to, but it’s really important we stick together because when we are together, as I said, it’s a powerful club.

“For me I see these players every day and work with them and I know they’ve got that (character).

“People from the outside looking in would maybe question those things at times. I know what they’ve got and what they’re capable of and the type of people we have in there.”

The Derry gaffer, who gave his squad a few days off after last Sunday’s Sports Direct FAI Cup win over St Patrick’s Athletic, insists they are ready for the big test in Dublin.

“It’s a brilliant group of lads that we have here. We know at times we haven’t played to our maximum potential but we’ve shown, particularly at home, that we’ve been outstanding and we need that to continue,” added Higgins.

“If we can continue that type of form between now and the end of the season I think we might do okay.

“We will get ready now over the next few days and then look to crack on.”