FAI Cup Final a family affair for Derry City winger Kevin Dos Santos
KEVIN DOS Santos' parents haven't watched their son play football in the flesh for almost six years, so the Portuguese-born winger is excited at the prospect of them traveling to Dublin for Sunday's FAI Cup Final.
The 26 year-old's career has taken him from the Portuguese First Division to England's National League and then to the Canadian Premier League with Athletico Ottawa.
From there he impressed Derry City in a pre-season trial in Spain, earning him a two year contract with the Brandywell club.
It was a difficult start to his Derry career with limited gametime, but Dos Santos has quickly developed into a fan favourite with his explosive, attacking style and he's really taken to his adopted home in the Maiden City.
"Derry is a city of the people, especially going to the final, we're getting more and more people together. People will see th support we have behind us and hopefully we can make those fans happy on Sunday."
Having his family and close friends at the Aviva will make the occasion that extra special.
"I'd probably say it's been five or six years since they've watched me play. Hopefully my parents, brothers and sister and close friends can come over to watch me play. It would be amazing. I don't really think about it that much that they haven't seen me play in a while but it's something big and obviously it would be nice to have the support of your family coming to see me play. Hopefully they get to see us lifting that trophy."
He's never been to the Aviva but reckons the pitch and the stadium will suit his game.
"I've never been to the AViva. I've obviously done a lot of research and talking to my brother, he's told me it's a massive stadium and it's made for people like me, people who like to thrive on big games and showcase their talent. So when it comes to it, it's about doing what I know best. "It's a big stadium. With over 30,000 people, it's a big number and a game to be ready whether I'm starting or coming off the bench, whatever happens. I just have to wait for my moment and hopefully the opportuinity will come. It's about me and the boys being able to take the opportunity."