Stephen O'Donnell - It's all going to be down to the ninety minutes on the pitch. All the talk will go out the window

Dundalk Captain Stephen O’Donnell has spoken on the significance of the FAI Cup Final, the recent back and forth from both camps and much more ahead of Sunday’s Aviva showdown against Cork City when he spoke to extratime.ie on the eve of the Irish Daily Mail FAI Cup Final.

 

With all the talk during the week in the media being about the comments between both camps, Dundalk’s captain was keen to put that idea to bed saying that it’s all about the match on the pitch and not what has been said before the game.

 

“It’s all going to be down to tomorrow and the ninety minutes on the pitch. All the talk will go out the window so it’s all hopefully getting a bit of interest towards the game and it’s all a bit of craic.”

 

While being asked on how this game can impact beyond the cup final and into next season’s title race, O’Donnell was quick to say that the game is significant in determining whether the Lilywhites can look back on this current season as a success or not.

 

“I think it’s big,” siad O’Donnell, “not even for next season but for us to look back on our season this year and either say we have had a very good season or an average one. If we win tomorrow, we’ll class this season as being as being very good - winning the two domestic cups and coming second in the league.”

 



O’Donnell is well aware of the significance of the game, being Irish domestic football’s blue riband event and what it means for everyone involved in the club.

 

“It’s great as a showpiece of the Irish soccer season. To have it in a lovely stadium like the Aviva on a nice, big pitch is extra special so we’re looking forward to it. It’s a good day for family and friends to all go and watch more so than any other day throughout the season.

 

“It’s great for the fans also to get a day out in the Aviva, supporting their team so it’s a great day all round and its all the more sweeter if you go and win the cup final.

 



“If we go out and win it’ll be the highlight of our season but there will be no excuses on the pitch.”

 

The Lilywhites journey to the cup final was difficult and the Dundalk skipper made a clear reference to how tough their route to Lansdowne Road was, which included two matches against Shamrock Rovers.

 

“I would say the two games against Rovers were tough. They went right to the wire and into extra-time in the replay, so that was probably the highlight of our season getting over that one. Its put us in good stead for the final with them being two ultra-competitive games right before the final.”

 

O’Donnell gave one last rallying cry to the Dundalk supporters asking them to lift the players for one last time for the 2017 campaign at least.

 

“Look, just to get right behind the team and it makes a difference to a lad’s confidence. If they get a tackle or do a good bit of play and its cheered by the supporters, giving them a little lift and that.

 

“Really row in behind the team and know that we will be giving it our best shot and hopefully it’s going to be a good day for the town.”