Ruaidhri Higgins is thrilled with Patrick Hoban’s rapid start to life with Derry City

Patrick Hoban scored from the spot in Derry City's draw with Shamrock Rovers

Ruaidhri Higgins praised the ‘courageous’ Patrick Hoban for the impact he has made with Derry after the winter signing made another vital contribution to a game of substance.

Hoban brought his tally for his new club to three goals in four games with a goal from the penalty spot in Monday night’s 2-2 draw with Shamrock Rovers — the Galwegian used his experience to get the opportunity with Hoops boss Stephen Bradley critical of the decision.

There was frustration at the end for Higgins when Rovers nabbed an injury time equaliser but he admitted that he would have accepted a four point weekend at the start of it with Hoban the star of the show as they came from behind to defeat St Patrick’s Athletic on Friday.

The all-time record Dundalk goalscorer was allowed to leave by the Lilywhites for football reasons, but Higgins says his value is plain to see — especially because he scores goals at important times.

“I think if you look at Pat’s numbers at Dundalk, they were obviously through the roof. But I think 55 or 60 per cent of his goals were the first goal for his team, so he produces in big moments and he is courageous,” said Higgins.

“He is a winner. He has taken responsibility again tonight and put the ball in the back of the net. He won the penalty himself as well.

“He’s had a great start, he has been great on and off the pitch and long may it continue.”

Higgins was frustrated that his side conceded from an injury-time cross from the excellent Darragh Burns, given they had spoken about his threat in the preliminaries.

However, he was happy to accentuate the positives of his side’s display and now says the challenge is to build on it if they are