Setanta incentive for League Cup finalists
This competition has taken on a new significance this season with the winners picking up a cheque for €15,000 and the runners-up €7,500.
The victors will also qualify for next season's extended eight team North-South Setanta Cup tournament with mere participation guaranteeing at least a further €30,000.
Last year's winners Linfield walked off with the Setanta trophy and a cheque for €150,000.
That is why respective managers Pete Mahon (UCD) and Stephen Kenny (Derry City) are treating tonight's final as a passport to even greater success.
"It would be great to play in next season's Setanta Cup tournament and the possibility of home and away matches against the likes of Glentoran, Linfield, Portadown and Dungannon Swifts," said Kenny.
After their 3-2 league victory over Bohemians at Dalymount Park on Friday night, Derry are the only team in with a chance of winning the elusive treble of Premier Division, FAI Carlsberg Cup and eircom League Cup.
"The only treble I am interested in is tonight's final against UCD, then Saturday's FAI Cup quarter-final against Shamrock Rovers at the Brandywell followed by our next league game at home to Shelbourne on Friday week," added Kenny.
Kenny will give late fitness tests to defender Sean Hargan and midfielder Killian Brennan. They suffered foot and knee injuries respectively in the victory over Bohemians.
"The two players will be given every chance to prove their fitness for the final. But it is a bonus for us that striker Gary Beckett is back in the squad after serving a one match ban. It is nice to be level on points with Cork City at the top of the table although they have a superior goal difference. But our unbeaten run now stretches to 20 games and it would be nice to get our hands on a trophy to celebrate Derry's 20 years in the League of Ireland."
UCD are happy to play the role of underdogs and are quietly confident that they can upset the odds.
Friday night's 1-0 victory over Bray may have been only their first win in eight league games but they have been moving steadily along in the knock-out competitions and are through to the FAI Cup quarter-finals away to Bray on Friday night.
College are boosted by the return of striker Robbie Martin after a knee injury that had ruled him out of the last four games. Skipper Tony McDonnell is likely to start in the centre of defence while Conor Kenna may be introduced at some stage to allow McDonnell to take up a midfield role.
"It is a pleasure playing in this young UCD side. No matter who the opponents are, they have no fear going into a game. It will be the same tonight and everyone knows that we can make life difficult for any team at Belfield," said 29-year-old McDonnell.
Should the final be level after 90 minutes, extra time of 30 minutes and, if necessary, a penalty shoot-out will determine the destination of the trophy.
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