I was in awe of Damien Duff, admits Ruaidhrí Higgins 

CONTEST: Shelbourne manager Damien Duff and Derry City manager Ruaidhrí Higgins during the FAI Cup Final media day at the Aviva Stadium. Picture: Ben McShane/Sportsfile

Twenty-five years after getting Damien Duff’s autograph, Ruaidhrí Higgins is gunning for the legend’s number in Sunday’s FAI Cup final.

Two of the country’s rookie coaches will be equals on the touchline at Aviva Stadium but Higgins was in thrall of Duff when they first met at Ewood Park.