Experience counts for a lot when the big games roll around, so St Patrick's Athletic fans will be pleased to see Damian Lynch leading their team out today.
To describe him as a grizzled veteran would, perhaps, suggest that he is the type of player that the Dublin club can't get rid of. Instead, let's settle with a seasoned professional.
The 31-year-old knows all about the pressure that comes with playing in important games. He has won league titles, held in his own in European competition and even avoided relegation.
That last part is not something he will want to remember in a hurry, but it adds another intriguing paragraph to a CV that acts as fascinating reading considering all that he has been through as a footballer.
Lynch has a catalogue of memories already stored safely away, although he is hoping to add another to that collection by helping St Pat's end their seven-year wait without any silverware by beating Bohemians in today's showpiece event.
The Setanta Sports Cup is a competition that he holds in high regard due to the fact that he won it in 2006 and 2007 with Drogheda United. So it is hardly surprising that he wants to pick up a third winner's medal.
"The one thing that St Pat's have been lacking over the years is trophies. This final gives us an ideal opportunity to address that and win a big tournament," said Lynch.
"Some people have said that the competition has lost some of its gloss over the last year or so, but you can be sure that both teams will be going all out to win it today.
"It is a great competition as it acts as the only All-Ireland tournament we currently have. Okay, there are two Dublin teams in this year's final, but that should only add some extra spice to it."
A Dublin derby between St Pat's and Bohemians rarely needs a reason to be 'spiced up', but the fact that a trophy can be won will ensure that this is a highly competitive affair.
Once upon a time, Lynch wore the red and black stripes of the Gypsies, although there will be no sign of divided loyalities from the composed defender when he trots out at Tallaght Stadium.
He will, however, be thinking back to his days as a Drogheda player as he attempts to conjure up the images of when he lifted the trophy with the Boynesiders for two years running.
In some ways, he should have mixed feelings about the 2007 final against Linfield as he missed two penalties in the game, but that is all part of the experience of overcoming obstacles in order to succeed.
Today, he will lead the Saints out for their first ever appearance in the Setanta Sports Cup final and even though he is not taking his place in the starting line-up for granted he admits that it would be a real honour to skipper the team.
"It would be a proud moment to captain the team in the final. It means an awful lot to me to be captain of a club like St Pat's, so the final would be extra special in that regard," he said.
"Of course, it all depends on whether I am playing or not. We have a really competitive squad right now and no one is guaranteed a place, including me."
Lynch cites the enthuasism and hunger that manager Pete Mahon has when trying to explain how the Inchicore outfit have started the 2010 campaign so well.
The mix of players in the squad is just right - Stuart Byrne and Dan Connor also have Setanta Sports Cup winner's medals - and the desire to win some silverware is driving them forward as a team.
But they won't be taking anything for granted as Lynch views Bohs as favourites going into the game and expects them to 'pick up a trophy or two' this season.
Nevertheless, there will be no fear in the Saints dressing room ahead of kick-off as this is a team that believes in their own ability, trusts the player next to them and has someone like Lynch leading by example.