Derry City centre-back Peter Hutton believes Derry City’s European dream is still alive despite their slender 1-0 defeat away to CSKA Sofia.

Over a decade ago City defeated CSKA's rivals Lokomotiv Sofia at the Brandywell in the European Cup Winners Cup, thanks to a goal from Harry McCourt, and a repeat scoreline on Thursday would be just the ticket.

“The last time we played a Bulgarian side at the Brandywell we beat them 1-0, even though it was 14 years ago — a similar result would do nicely next week,” declared Hutton. “We know that CSKA are a very good technical side and it will take a massive effort for us to overcome them, but we also know that we have a chance. Overall it wasn't too bad defensively as we weren't really cut open by them, but that was because we all worked hard as a unit and reduced them to a lot of long range shots.”

Stephen Kenny's side return to league action tomorrow night against Michael O’Neill’s Shamrock Rovers, at Tallaght Stadium (7.00pm). The Dubliners, currently trailing leaders Bohemians but five points ahead of the Candystripes, will be looking to secure their first victory this season over City.

In their previous two meetings this year Derry have picked up four points from a possible six, having secured a hard fought 2-1 win in Dublin in March thanks to goals from Tommy Stewart and Ciaran Martyn, while in May the sides played out a scoreless draw at the Brandywell.

Hutton, who along with Eddie McCallion misses out through suspension, said: “We have done well against them this season, but they are on a good run of late.”

l CORK CITY rose from the dead in the High Court yesterday after they produced a last-minute guarantee to pay their full tax debt by Wednesday, with the Revenue Commissioners promising to withdraw their successful petition for a winding-up order if the Leesiders keep their word.