If there's such a thing as fourth time lucky then Ross Redman is hoping for it.
The experienced defender is heading into his fourth Irish Cup, but he is yet to come out as a winner.
Redman hasn't been blessed with a lot of luck in the finals he's played so far but he still feels it has been a "privilege" to have been involved in so many of the Irish League's showpiece finals.
Read next: IFA confirm Irish Cup final tribute to Kaylee Black
“The Irish Cup final is the one you want to be in, it’s a privilege to be involved in it," he said.
“I look back on my Portadown days and the first one I played in was at Windsor against Linfield and the second one was against Glentoran at the Oval, and there was a lot of controversy around that one!
“Then I played in last year’s final for Ballymena and we know what happened then.
“Let’s just say we’re hoping for a different outcome this time around!
“It doesn’t come around often. I’ve been around a long time and this is my fourth final. Every one of them has been a privilege to be in and it’s always who plays well on the day, wins it.
“We know Crusaders will go into this final as favourites - and rightly so given their league position and the players they have.
“We have to try to make sure we do well on the day, and hopefully get that little bit of luck that gets you through.
“I’m hoping for a different outcome to my previous ones, though."
Redman has certainly proved the doubters wrong since his switch to The Showgrounds.
The 33-year-old has become an integral part of David Jeffrey's side and he is keen to keep repaying his manager.
“I went through a difficult period when I left Glentoran. I’d gone on loan to Dungannon and had just come back from surgery and I wasn’t fit," explained Redman.
“I knew there were a lot of people doubting me and writing me off at that time.
“I thought I had a lot more to give and a lot more to prove in the game and I got myself mentally and physically right.
“David and Bryan [McLoughlin] took a chance on me, to be fair. They could very easily have said I was getting too old for them, but they took that chance and hopefully I’ve repaid that faith with performances.
“I’m at the stage now when I feel good physically and mentally and want to keep playing.
“I’ve been in the league 16 or 17 years and as I said, this is my fourth Irish Cup final. I know this could be my last, but a lot of people probably said that last year.
“You never know what can happen, so you have to seize the opportunities you get. I want to savour the occasion.
"I’ve loved my entire time here. When you’re enjoying your football, everything seems easier and I want to keep repaying David and his staff.”
READ NEXT:
- Rory McIlroy on burnout, Masters nightmare and RBC Heritage punishment
- Armagh vs Down: Player ratings from Sunday's Ulster SFC semi-final
Oran Kearney happy as Matthew Shevlin hits the goal trail again
Newington tribute to Aodhán Gillen as they prepare for new surroundings
Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox.
