Cup game ‘huge’ in Sky Blues’ season - manager

The struggling Sky Blues face Dungannon Swifts at the Showgrounds tonight (Tuesday, 7.45pm) with a semi-final place in the WASP Solutions League Cup at stake.

United go into the game on the back of five straight defeats in all competitions and Ferguson admits: “It’s a difficult time for everyone at the club - myself, the players, the Board and the supporters.

“It’s important that everybody sticks together to make sure we get through this period.

“We’ve been on runs like this before and battled our way through it and that is what we have to do again.

“We’ve spoken to the players and told them they need to give us more so hopefully they will.

“When you’re down there things go against you but that shouldn’t come into it.

“I’ve spoken on numerous occasions about being mentally stronger and I think some of our players need to work on that.

“The Dungannon game is a huge game in our season and the players need to take that on board.

“Not only is there the chance of a semi-final but a win could also give us that wee bit of confidence to turn around our recent form.

“But there’s no doubt it will be tough because Dungannon are a bit like us in that you’re never quite sure what to expect!” added Ferguson.

Amid a plethora of injury problems, the United boss will be pleased to welcome defender Tony Kane back from suspension.

Supporters are reminded that season tickets are not valid for tonight’s game and the normal admission prices of £10 and £7 apply.

* Seven Towers Supporters’ Club transport to Saturday’s league game at Warrenpoint leaves Henry Street car park at 1pm.

The club’s Joker promotion will be drawn prior to departure.