FAI Cup semi-final:With the RDS to fill on final day, the organisers of the Ford-sponsored FAI Cup (live RTÉ2, kick-off 7.30) could have done with keeping tomorrow night's opponents, Bohemians and Cork City, apart for another round but the Dubliners' boss, Sean Connor, insists he's happy to see his side take on whoever the competition throws at him, as long as they get to do it at Dalymount.
"The FAI probably wanted it (these two to meet in the final) because of the size of the two clubs and their respective support bases," he says. "For me, it doesn't really matter because if you're going to win a cup then you've got to beat good sides. We've already beaten two and if you do that then normally I think you could expect to win the thing but we're going to have to beat three and then worry about who we get in the final. As long as we're at home, I'm not complaining."
The Belfastman has had his work cut out to win over those amongst the club's supporters who reckoned he'd been given the job without ever completely establishing his credentials at Sligo. Connor, though, never gives the slightest hint of doubting his own abilities and, when asked about the team's strong finish to the season, suggests it might be a sign "that I'm a good manager who has kept his players focused" before mentioning the quality of the panel at his disposal.
Whoever is due what portion of the credit, Bohemians have been much more impressive over the latter half of the season. Their league form has left them well placed to take third place, while home advantage makes them slight favourites to win a game between two well matched sides.
"We were aiming for top four and we've given ourselves a great chance of finishing in the top three, which I'm happy with.
"This time last year I'd say Bohemians were fulfilling fixtures but we're not doing that now. We've made one final and another semi-final. Every game means something, and players are playing for things, for places in big games and to be part of what we're going to be doing here over the next couple of years. I think that in itself shows we're moving in the right direction."
The defeat by Derry in the League Cup final will, he says, provide added motivation for his men but he cites other cup defeats from the past couple of seasons as helping to drive him personally.
"What I said to the players after the League Cup final is remember how you feel and make sure when you're given the opportunity you don't end up feeling like this again. But talk is cheap. On Friday night, it's up to us to go out and deliver."
