Derry City manager Peter Hutton says the media hype prior to last Thursday night's Europa League game against Shakhtyor Soligorsk had an adverse effect on his players.

But while the Candystripes lost that second round first leg qualifying game 0-1, Hutton is adamant the tie is far from dead.

“We certainly noticed nervousness creeping into our ranks during the first half but to be fair to the players, they did stand up to be counted after the break.

“I think the 9-0 defeat of Aberystwyth Town in our first qualifying game gave some players a false sense of security and that certainly caused us problems in the opening period.

"However, while we improved after the break, we certainly didn't reach the standard of performance that we had set over recent weeks, so this second leg is all about performing at a much higher level in Belarus, " declared the Derry boss after arrving in Minsk on a charter flight.

“It will be tough, there’s no question about that. However, we didn’t play to our potential last week and now we must attempt to make amends by scoring.”

“Shakhtyor are a decent side, but they are not world-beaters and I know we have the quality in our panel to cause them problems.

“We failed in the final third last week, which was disappointing, so we must improve significantly on that performance. If we are to progress, we must score and I have always believed that we boast a goal threat throughout the team.”

Derry travelled without full back Dean Jarvis, who has not recovered from a foot injury.

The prize for the winners of this second round qualifying tie is a third round fixture against either SV Zuite Waregem, from Belgium or Polish club, Zawisza Bydgoszcz.