Posted online: Nov 18th, 2009

By Frank Craig, Sports editor

Two of Donegal’s most prominent young soccer talents will look to put their injury nightmares behind them this weekend when Sligo Rovers contest the FAI Cup final.

When this season commenced way back in March, Sligo boss Paul Cook spoke in glowing reference of his Donegal duo; Killybegs teenager Jason Noctor and Danny Keohane from Ballyshannon.

And both played a significant part in the clubs early running before injury curtailed their progression just as they were making their mark.

Speaking to the Donegal Post this week, Rovers’ A boss Brian Dorrian, another Killybegs native, explained that there is now light at the end of the tunnel.

“Well we’re bringing a squad of nineteen players to Tallaght and both lads will be involved in that,” said Dorrian.

“We’re hoping to be able to tog seven subs so the two boys have a great shot of being in the thick of it. They had such a good start to their careers up here so it was very cruel the way things panned out for them.

“Jason got off to a flyer and was part of the European squad that travelled to Albania so that’s how highly he’s rated. But he had a dreadful time after a reserve game in Galway where his calve muscle clotted and basically exploded. He was in hospital for a week and that put him out for three months.

“Danny also broke into the first team but a pelvic injury kept him sidelined for two months, and when that happens you’re back to square one again. That’s why this weekend is a great consolation for both, as young lads especially, dwell on those kind of setbacks.”

Sunday’s showpiece will be Sligo Rovers’ first appearance in the FAI Cup final since 1994, when they defeated Derry City 1-0. Their opponents in the final will be League of Ireland newcomers Sporting Fingal, who have made the cup decider in only their second season in existence.

Dorrian, who will be part of the Rovers’ backroom staff on Sunday, expects a ferocious battle from the Division 1 side, who he feels will be hell-bent on writing their names in to the history books with a famous victory.

“They’ll be determined as they have made tremendous strides in a relatively short space of time. But this is a huge game for us too and with so much at stake we have to make sure we are ready for what ever comes our way at the weekend.”