Kevin Dos Santos making his case for Derry's FAI Cup Final

​The former Atletico Ottawa player, who joined Derry on a two-year deal in January, is relishing the prospect of his first appearance at an Aviva Stadium showpiece on November 8, but knows there is still plenty of work to do before then.

Dos Santos took his opportunity in the absence of injured skipper Duffy - who has also been named in the PFAI Team of the Year by his peers - heading home the winner in Monday night's victory over St Patrick's Athletic at the Brandywell.

Duffy remains a fitness doubt for Friday's visit of Dundalk to Foyleside, potentially giving the Portuguese forward another chance to stake his claim. And he's hoping a final flourish can give Connolly some food for thought.

With little beyond pride at stake in the league, Dos Santos insists Derry's players are still fighting for the badge — and for a place in the starting team for the biggest game of their season.

"I'm delighted, to be fair, and I thank God for the opportunity to perform. I managed to get three points for the team," said the winger.

"Everyone is looking forward to the cup final, but, as Mark says, it's important to look at the next game and then the next game.

Unfortunately, we had to ruin the party for them (Pats), and I'm glad in a way because people will say we're not fighting for anything, but we're fighting for our badge.

"It's one more game here at the Brandywell, so we have to keep the momentum going and try to get another three points."

Dos Santos is also acutely aware that every strong performance strengthens his case for a starting berth against the Dubliners next month.

"It's good to build the momentum. It's important to get a goal and try to put my foot in the door to start," he said. "We go into the next game and go from there and let Mark decide. Whoever deserves it will get it, and it's just about getting the win.

"I'm happy. I think it was good team play. Darragh [Burns] took on his man and was brave, and I was in the box, which is something we've been working on after training. I'm delighted it worked and I managed to get a goal."

With Burns, Duffy and the returning Darragh Markey all competing for the wide positions, the battle for places is intensifying. Dos Santos, however, insists the competition is healthy, with every player focused on the same objective.

"It's healthy competition. Performance-wise, you just have to show it out there. I mean, a man like Mickey Duffy — we all know who Mickey is.

"We fight for our positions, and whoever performs gets to play. It's that simple. It's healthy competition, and we're here to help each other."

Dos Santos has certainly strengthened his argument with five goals in 10 starts. Another against Dundalk on Friday would give Connolly further food for thought as he weighs up his options for the cup final.

And while the Portuguese winger is keen to make his mark, he insists goals are not his sole focus. "God willing," he smiled. "I try not to focus on scoring, but it's a plus if I do."