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The Dubliner got his first look at Find Insurance Celtic Park during a 40 minute training session on Thursday afternoon and admitted it felt 'strange' playing football with GAA goals in the background as Derry prepare to write a new chapter into the club’s history books.

It will be a strange environment for plenty of Derry City fans too as they flock 400 yards up the Lone Moor Road to the venue which last hosted a soccer match back in 1948.

Although a Shamrock Rovers delegation led by Ronan Finn was less than pleased with the pitch's condition last week—a pitch that has seen significant action over the past couple of months—Markey claims he's played on worse surfaces this season.

And he's excited to play in front of what's expected to be upwards of 7,000 supporters who will be well warmed up for a clash between two of the country's best teams, thanks to the impressive new Fan Zone the club introduced for its five-match rental of the 12,500-capacity venue.

"I played school GAA but that was before it turned into a game of beasts," said Markey. "They're all absolute units nowadays so that's probably not my type of game anymore," he laughed.

"It's a strange one with the GAA goals in the background," he added when asked how he found playing on the pitch for the first time. "I suppose it's something new, but it's a very nice venue to say the least. Everyone is in a good mood and looking forward to it.

"In terms of the pitch, I've definitely played on worse. The day we played down in Sligo [Easter Monday], this is definitely in better condition than that. The weather is to pick up and so hopefully that will help with the pitch and the next four or five home games can be enjoyable and we can play some nice stuff as well." It would be easy to get swept up in the excitement of the historic event. While Markey and his teammates will be fully focussed on matters on the pitch, he reckons Derry can use the occasion to their advantage.

"It's a home game so you want to use the occasion to your advantage of course. It's a big journey for Rovers to be making as well. The mood is quite good and the sun is shining. Of course we will try and use it to our advantage. We're here for four or five games. It's an historic venue and well admired in Derry so I'm sure everyone is looking forward to it.

"There are family tickets available and a Fan Zone, so it's great to see. Hopefully that attracts loads of fans and brings more new faces. Thats' what it's all about at the end of the day."

Perhaps the build up to the match wouldn't have had the same hype had Derry not edged out Shelbourne at Tolka Park last Friday night and ended a worrying seven match winless run. That victory has breathed new life into their campaign and dictated the mood around the club this week.

"It was massive because it's been a while since we had a win. The vibe around the place wasn't great which is what you would expect. That's what football does - it dictates your mood so much.

"So we were all delighted in the dressing room after the game. The camaraderie and unity amongst us, I think we showed that on the pitch as well. We defended really well and dug in at times which just shows the togetherness of us all despite what we've been through so far. We just want to try and build some momentum now."

Markey sat out the two games previous against Sligo and Dundalk before coming on for James Clarke on the hour mark in Shelbourne. He made a positive impact and is hoping he can force his way into the starting line-up again on Friday.

"No one is going to feel sorry for you in this game. I've been around a while now to know that. You have to dig in. It's a rollercoaster all the time, so many ups and downs and you just have to be persistent and keep going.

"It's part and parcel of the game when you're part of such a good squad. It's probably the first time I've gone through that [sitting on the bench] in a long time. Being at Drogheda I was starter week in, week out so it's been a new challenge for myself.

"All I can do is come in and train well every day and not feel sorry for yourself and try to be a good teammate. I think I did that and it was good to come in and it's your job to try and impress. I came on and we won the game which was the most important thing." Markey sc.ored the winner against Shamrock Rovers in the President's Cup Final and he's hoping for a similar outcome. It's certainly no easy task against a team on a three match winning run and unbeaten in nine.

"I've watched a good bit of them and they do pop it around really nicely and they're really good to watch. They have been the best team so far. They did lose bodies but they've recruited well but it's a great buzz. The table toppers are coming.

"We want to be challenging them, so I'm sure it will attract fans who want to get a look at Derry playing against Rovers. Hopefully it will be a good occasion and we put on a great show."