Derry manager Stephen Kenny says Steven Gray is an "heroic" player

Derry City boss Stephen Kenny has hit out at home fans that booed defender Steven Gray in Friday's clash against Galway United at the Brandywell.

The 1-1 draw was enough to move Derry top of the League of Ireland Premier Division but Kenny was upset by the criticism directed at Gray.

"That's the first time I can remember a player being picked out in my time at Derry," Kenny told BBC Radio Foyle.

"Steven Gray is an heroic player. He's nearly the first name on my teamsheet."

Kenny added:"He played last week with a really bad ankle and he couldn't even run on it two days beforehand.

"He's courageous. He played nearly every game last season and played every game last season.

"He rarely misses a training session and he's played at left-back and at centre-back for me.

"It (the booing) was disappointing because even though we were 1-0 up at half-time, we had to address it.

We could have scored a hatful Derry City manager Stephen Kenny

"Instead, we should have been speaking about winning the game. It doesn't matter who you are, we're all human."

Kenny added that Gray had been a target for several other Irish clubs during the League of Ireland close-season but chose to remain at the Brandywell because of his respect for the Derry fans.

"I know one of the attractions was that he loved playing for the crowd and I know his family travel up for games as well."

Kenny acknowledged his disappointment at Derry's failure to beat Galway but he could find no fault with his players' attitude or application.

"We could have scored a hatful tonight. Barry Ryan was excellent in goal for Derry and we missed the target on a few occasions.

"They didn't have a chance in the game and they scored from a long-range effort which was disappointing.

"But we've made a great start to the season. We've left two points behind tonight but I'm thrilled with the attitude of the players and the way they have played."

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