From Haiti to the Aviva - Frantz Pierrot eyes dream pinnacle

From Haiti to Lansdowne Road, it's been quite a journey for Drogheda United striker Frantz Pierrot, who's dreaming of a career-high triumph in tomorrow's Sports Direct FAI Cup final against Derry City. (Live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player from 2pm).

Pierrot has the led the line effectively for the Drogs all year, chipping in with 10 league goals to help Kevin Doherty's men stave off automatic relegation.

They do have a crucial play-off final to negotiate against Bray Wanderers on Saturday week as they aim to stay in the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division for 2025.

But first, the focus is on an appearance in the showpiece decider, with Drogheda looking to upset the odds by turning over the Candystripes.

"It's been a long journey," Pierrot told RTÉ Sport's Tony O'Donoghue. "I started by getting drafted (MLS outfit Houston Dynamo picked him up in 2022 after he'd impressed at University of Connecticut), then things didn't work out very well for me so I came to Athlone Town.

"The year went well, and then I spoke to Kevin after that. I came to this town, it's been incredible since.

"Ten goals, I believe 12 overall which is alright. It wasn't really the main target but I'll take that as a striker.

"(The Aviva) will be the biggest stadium I've ever played in, the biggest amount of people. I saw the Aviva this weekend, beautiful, something to see and I just can't wait to be in there.

"I've seen all around the town the fans are excited, and so are we as players.

"It's been crazy, incredible. You see the kids, they're happy, they're excited to see us. We just want to keep making them smile and bring thay joy back. That's the plan."

It's been something of a breakthrough campaign for Pierrot. He did well enough in the First Division with Athlone to