Duff channels Mourinho as he looks to 'biggest game in over a decade'

Shelbourne boss Damien Duff channelled his former manager Jose Mourinho in the aftermath of defeat to Shamrock Rovers as he turned focus to "the biggest game in over a decade" for the Tolka Park outfit.

Shels have improved over the course of the season, the first for Duff in senior management, and have fared particularly well in recent weeks, booking a place in the FAI Cup semi-finals and securing their safety with ease.

Yesterday they looked set to end a year-long unbeaten run for the champions in Dublin 24, only for two late goals turned the game on its head.

Duff was unhappy that a free-out was not awarded for the Reds prior to a corner being awarded for the Rory Gaffney winner, which was scored in the 95th minute of the game despite a minimum of four minutes being added.

"If I was to air my views about officials and stuff that goes on in this league, I wouldn't be on the touchline next week." Damien Duff unhappy at why the game went over four minutes of added-time and also talks of his new love for the League of Ireland as a "blow-in" #rtesoccer pic.twitter.com/Z1jlBB1Pxn

Speaking to RTÉ Sport, Duff refused to offer opinions on the officiating, only to describe the time-keeping as "absolutely incredible", fearful of a touchline ban for their FAI Cup semi-final on Sunday in Waterford.

He said: "The frustration isn't with the players, it's the result, it's four minutes added on time that ends up 96 and a half minutes with the game still going on. That's absolutely incredible.

"I don't think it's a corner, I think it's a free-kick at the back post. But listen if I was to air my views about officials and blah, blah and stuff that goes on in this league, I wouldn't be on the touchline next week.

"So, I am very proud to manage