Tallaght native Rebecca Devereux hoping to follow Katie McCabe template

Rebecca Devereux grew up close to Tallaght Stadium, idolising Katie McCabe and dreaming of emulating the Republic of Ireland captain's achievements in the game.

On Sunday, Devereux could take a first step towards doing just that when she lines out for Shelbourne against Athlone Town in the Sports Direct FAI Cup final.

McCabe won three FAI Cups with Raheny United before heading across the water to join Arsenal to take her career to the next level.

Devereux started off playing with Jobstown Celtic and Crumlin United boys teams, and then had spells at Kilnamanagh and Peamount United before joining Shels.

She's part of a new batch of very young, and very talented, footballers that Noel King has blooded this year alongside the likes of Hannah Healy.

Now, the Repubic of Ireland underage international is aiming to get a first taste of silverware at senior level.

"It's Katie McCabe, because obviously she is local as well," Devereux replied when asked if she'd any role models in the game.

"When I was at Kilnamanagh I played with her sister Lauryn, so she'd be down for a few matches. It's just nice to see a local person and to look up to a local person.

"I watched [the World Cup] at home, all the games. They were unfortunate. But they got there."

Devereux has aspirations of playing in England and establishing herself as a senior Ireland international. But first, there's a trophy to win.

Athlone and Shels met in last year's decider, with the Dubliners prevailing 2-0. Sixteen players who were involved in that game are no longer with their respective clubs.It means that this rematch doesn't really feel like a sequel. It's a reboot.

"There'll be loads of my family here to watch," added Devereux, who attends Colaiste Íde, an Irish school in