RUAIDHRI Higgins is relishing the challenge of his first derby in charge as the Bannsiders prepare to take on Ballymena United this afternoon…

Speaking ahead of the clash, Higgins acknowledged the added weight of expectation that comes with such a fixture – but says it’s one he’s eager to take on.

“There’s more responsibility…but you’ve got to embrace it,” he said.

“When you come into the job, these are the types of games that you really, really look forward to.

“It’s important that we put in a real committed performance with some quality as well.

“I’m sure that the players will do that.”

Ballymena were victors at Carrick Rangers last time out in the Premiership as goals from Kym Nelson and Ryan McNickle sealed a comeback success at Taylors Avenue.

Higgins added that the Sky Blues squad is littered with players that he knows from his time involved in the game on both sides of the border.

“They have quite a few lads who are ex-League of Ireland players,” Higgins said.

“They have a really, really good squad and have gone under the radar in terms of the players that they’ve brought in.

“They have a deep squad and they’ve obviously invested in their squad.

“We know we’re going to come up against good players but we will be ready and hopefully we can do our supporters proud because we know it means an awful lot to them.

“It means an awful lot to us as well but we have to focus on the game and try to pick up three points.”

Supporters can get tickets for today’s contest HERE.