Damien Duff: 'Priceless' league title would top the lot

As a player, Damien Duff was used to winning silverware.

His first professional medal arrived in the form of a League Cup win with Blackburn Rovers, months before he captivated Irish soccer fans with his dazzling performances at the 2002 World Cup in the Far East.

Another League Cup in his second season at Chelsea was followed by two Premier League medals, as Duff proved himself as a key component in Jose Mourinho's well-oiled Blues machine.

There were plenty of other big nights too. A run to the semi-final of the FIFA U-20 World Cup with Brian Kerr's talented young Ireland side in 1997. A goal against Barcelona on a big Champions League night at Stamford Bridge. Reaching the 2010 Europa League final as part of an unfancied Fulham side.

All this would pale into comparison though, if the now-Shelbourne boss leads his side to the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division title on Friday night.

Shels can end an 18-year wait to be crowned champions if they win away at Derry City, while a draw would do if Shamrock Rovers don't take maximum points at home to Waterford at the same time.

Both matches will be broadcast live on RTÉ and, speaking with Tony O'Donoghue, Duff explained why lifting silverware as a manager in the League of Ireland would mean so much.

"I've put my heart and soul into it, not that I didn't as a player," he explained.

"Playing football was second nature to me, since I was that high, I had a football at my feet, so dribbling in an Irish jersey or on a Champions League night wasn't stress to me, it was just normal. Whereas this is totally out of the comfort zone stuff and the hardest thing I've ever done.

"I don't know, I've just invested so much in it. If we win the league, it's not about me lifting it, it's all about