Some players epitomise the way a manager wants his team to play football. For Sligo, Danny Ventre falls into that mould, so it is not that surprising that he is expected to lead The Bit O'Red out today.
While the captain's armband is usually spotted strapped to the forearm of Conor O'Grady, it is likely to be worn by Ventre in this FAI Ford Cup showdown as O'Grady is cruelly suspended for this encounter.
Although even with a replacement skipper at the Tallaght Stadium, Sligo should not be any weaker. For anyone that has seen Ventre play they will be fully aware of his combative style and ability to lift the performances of those around him. For those yet to see the feisty Scouser in action, they are in for a treat.
Having started his playing career with Chester City in 2005, Ventre didn't really shine until he moved to Accrington Stanley, where he helped them win the Nationwide Conference in 2006. A brief spell at Southport followed before Paul Cook convinced him to cross the Irish Sea and join Sligo.
The 23-year-old now feels settled in the West of Ireland and is playing the best football of his career thus far. And even though today's final presents him with a challenge that he has never had to deal with before, he is more than ready to take it on.
"Obviously this is the biggest game (that I have played in)," said Ventre.
"Gerry Carr (Sligo's assistant manager) says everyday how big the game is and if you win it you'll be like Gods. And he knows because he scored the winner in the final (in 1994).
"He (Carr) thinks he is a God around Sligo. It's what you want really. As a footy player you want to win things."
When questioned in the build-up to the final he never once tried to dress up his answers with extra trimmings or deflect from discussing a specific topic. He simply doesn't hide away when confronted. It's just not in his nature - on or off the pitch.
Whether he is facing a huddle of football writers armed with inquisitive questions and dictaphones or a skilful player who is bigger, faster, and stronger than he is, Ventre will respond in the same way each time. And it is this raw honesty and full-blooded commitment that has allowed him to stand out since arriving in the League of Ireland.
Some may say that they have the stud marks to remind them of the time they came up against the versatile player, but he is quick to play down his growing reputation as one of the league's hardmen.
"I try not to be (a hardman on the pitch). But I have had two sendings off this year - say one of them was worth it," he said with a mischievous grin.
"I don't play up to it. If there's a tackle there I'll go and take the ball. And hopefully I'll get some of him as well as it makes my job easier if he's not running at me.
"(When playing) in midfield you can get amongst people, upset teams, and I like doing that. Winning the ball back and giving it to the likes of (Romauld) Boco and Raf (Cretaro) and Owen Morrison - the lads who can play footy."
If he does get the chance to lift the FAI Cup today, Ventre insists he will call O'Grady out to hoist the silverware up with him. After all, he is only standing in for the club captain. But he knows that for Sligo to even be in with a chance of beating Sporting Fingal in this most celebrated of end-of-season events is quite surprising considering the year that the club have gone through.
Expectations were high following a superb fourth placed finish in the Premier Division last term and with both Europa League and Setanta Sports Cup football coming their way 2009 was billed as the year when Sligo finally re-emerged as one of the heavyweights of the domestic game.
Things didn't really tow that line though as Cook's squad was hit with injuries to key players, while the added games on their fixture list proved to be a hindrance as they found themselves lingering at the wrong end of the league table.
"The first half of the season was hard. We had 14 fit professionals to begin with, we got a few injuries, and we never had out full squad out," explained Ventre.
"In the last 17 or 18 games of the season, we've only been beaten twice. I think we've had a good run (in the second half of the year).
"So when we have got everyone back we are a quality, strong side and can beat anyone on our day. Hopefully if we do win the cup it will be a good season."
Having come through a difficult league campaign by securing their top flight status on the final day, the Liverpool-born ace is now keen to end the season on a high as he sets his sights on winning the cup.
One thing that is certain is that Sligo's chances of glory are much higher with a player like Ventre taking on a leadership role.