Former Celtic coach Damien Duff could quickly earn his first piece of management silverware after guiding Shelbourne FC to the FAI Cup final this evening.
Shelbourne beat Waterford 1-0 to book a place in the November showpiece match against Derry City, after a cup run that has included wins against Bohemians, Bonagee United and Bray.
Amidst the post-match celebrations this evening, Duff gave a passionate interview to broadcaster RTE, making it clear he feels Shels have very much fought against outside opinion on their way to the final.
Duff said: “The guys are in there singing songs. You just want to be careful about what you play. Absolutely amazing. It’s a dream come true. It absolutely blows away anything I’ve done in my career.
“It was an amazing day. Obviously, a hostile crowd, four or five thousand. Did we play great? No. But I told the guys in the dressing room beforehand it was 18 lions against four or five thousand, and we came out on top. I couldn’t be any prouder.
“I’ll have to change my mindset because all I’ve said is get to the final, get to final. I never addressed winning the final. So the guys, the staff, myself – we’ll have to change that mindset. Yeah, we’re in it to win it now. We shouldn’t be here. Little ol’ Shels, everyone calls us, everyone hates us, I think. We’re in the division for another year, and we’re in a final. It doesn’t get any better.”
This is still Duff’s first year as a manager in his own right after coaching spells with Shamrock Rovers, Celtic and the Republic of Ireland.
He was a popular character with Celtic supporters during his time here, working with Neil Lennon and John Kennedy to initially secure a ‘treble treble’, then a ninth successive league title before returning to his homeland.
No doubt, many fans will be buzzing to see him doing so well as a boss. Having done excellently to reach the final, he’ll attract serious attention if his team does manage to lift the cup next month.
Good luck, Damien!
In other news, “They have money in the bank”; Paul Lambert eyes Celtic transfer upgrades.
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