Later this autumn, the midfielder will be on punditry duty for the Hoops’ six upcoming Conference League clashes, including December’s mouth-watering trip to billionaire-backed Chelsea.
But back in Belfield, far from the bright lights of Stamford Bridge, Finn’s UCD stand just three games away from a return to Europe as the First Division outfit host Bohemians in Friday night’s FAI Cup quarter-final clash (7.45).
The seven-time league winner has seen his career go full circle this year, as he departed Shamrock Rovers to return to the Students last November, almost 20 years after his League of Ireland debut.
With a record 63 European appearances, the Dubliner knows what it’s like on this stage better than most. He accepts that, on paper, Bohs should progress this evening, but maybe, just maybe, a classic cup shock could be on the cards.
Only four Premier Division sides are left in the hat, so could we see UCD in Europe next year?
“Me and one of the directors have a joke about it,” smiles Finn, speaking at the launch of Premier Sports 2024/’25 football and rugby coverage.
“The FAI Cup has been, I don’t know what the right word is, it’s been funny. The draw has been kind to the smaller teams. The first round was Shamrock Rovers v Bohemians, already you’re looking at big hitters going down, Derry City v St Pat’s too, you lose a big hitter straight away.
“Someone is going to win it, we’ve got a very tough game against Bohs. We’ve got a lot of work to do to even contemplate getting into the next round, but I think it’s a great opportunity this year to win it.
“Traditionally, over the last few years, you’d have the top three or four vying it out. But this year, that hasn’t been the situation. It’s given some of the smaller clubs a chance of a good day out.
“We’re young and growing and gotten better over the season, as our results have shown. But [with] Bohs’ budget, they’ll be favourites to win the game. We’ve got to treat them with the utmost respect because, if we’re not 100pc, the likelihood is they should beat us. That’s just the way, but if we’re on it, who knows?”
It’s also a massive game for the Phibsboro club. Sitting eighth in the league, it likely represents their last chance to secure European football for 2025.
Finn feels Alan Reynolds’ side have performed better of late than their league form suggests.
“I’ve been impressed by them. I’ve taken more notice of them [after the draw was made] and went back and watched a few games,” said the 36-year-old.
“They are better than their league form of late. Against Shelbourne [1-1 draw], they were quite comfortable on the ball. Maybe they just haven’t got the results, but I’m hoping that won’t change on Friday.”
While UCD dream of a journey on the continent, that’s what lies in front of Stephen Bradley’s Hoops as they begin their six-game Conference League group-phase campaign at home to Cypriot champions APOEL Nicosia on October 3.
“If you were to hand-pick a draw as a former player of the club, you would have said this is an ideal scenario,” he said. “That’s no disrespect to the teams in their group, but I’m sure Stephen will be looking at the opposition and feeling they have a chance to qualify for the knockouts.”
FRIDAY’S PREVIEWS
FAI Cup quarter-finals
Athlone Town v Drogheda United (Athlone Town Stadium, 7.45)
Team news: Athlone duo German Fuentes Rodriguez and Dylan Hand are suspended. Drogheda are without Luke Heeney (suspension) and Zishim Bawa (injury), Shane Farrell is a doubt.
Talking point: Athlone’s form has dropped alarmingly, four straight league defeats and 10 goals conceded in that time, Drogheda’s experience will be key.
Ref: Paul Norton
Odds: Athlone 15/4, Drogheda 8/13, draw 14/5
Verdict: Away win
UCD v Bohemians (UCD Bowl, 7.45)
Team news: UCD are at full strength. Bohs are missing Dawson Devoy through suspension but Martin Miller is back from international duty.
Talking point: Bohs struggled in an away cup tie against First Division opposition in the last round, but they’ve improved since then and can get through.
Ref: Damien MacGraith
Odds: UCD 9/2, Bohs 1/2, draw 3/1
Verdict: Away win
Wexford v Treaty United (Ferrycarrig Park, 7.45)
Team news: Wexford assess Ethan Boyle. Treaty check on the fitness of Enda Curran.
Talking point: Six straight wins in all competitions makes Wexford the in-form side in the entire league. Treaty have struggled for clean sheets in the league and the home side should be comfortable.
Ref: Gavin Colfer
Odds: Wexford 20/23, Treaty 13/5, draw 12/5
Verdict: Home win
Premier Division
Waterford v Dundalk (RSC, 7.45)
Team news: The Blues are missing Sam Sergeant. A fit-again Dara Keane could start for Dundalk for the first time since April.
Talking point: Off-field issues have nagged Dundalk and it will have been hard for Jon Daly’s staff and players to stay focused, given the financial woes, giving
Waterford the advantage.
Ref: Rob Hennessy
Odds: Waterford 4/5, Dundalk 3/1, draw 13/5.
Verdict: Home win
Shamrock Rovers v Sligo Rovers (Tallaght Stadium, 8.0)
Team news: The champions are missing Aaron Greene, Aaron McEneff and Rory Gaffney through injury, while Lee Grace is banned. Sligo lose ever-present Niall Morohan to suspension. Stefan Radosavljevic, John Mahon and Conor Reynolds miss out, while Stephen Mallon is assessed.
Talking point: Sligo are unpredictable but have kept a clean sheet in two league meetings with the Hoops this season and could force a draw.
Ref: Kevin O’Sullivan:
Odds: Shamrock Rovers 1/3, Sligo Rovers 13/2, draw 15/4
Verdict: Draw
