Mark Coyle is one step away from captaining Shelbourne to League of Ireland success

Burt native Mark Coyle could captain Shelbourne to League of Ireland glory this Friday night on the final day of the season if they beat Derry City in the Brandywell. 

The league leaders have been pushed to the final day by a resurgent Shamrock Rovers and must gain one more win at least to be sure of the crown. 

Otherwise, they would need the Hoops to drop points at home to Waterford in what is sure to be a tense last day. 

The 27-year-old Burt native has been an integral part of the Reds since joining from Finn Harps during the close season of 2022 and was named club captain by manager Damien Duff back in January. 

He made 27 appearances last term, 24 of them as a starter, as the Reds secured a fourth-place finish in the League of Ireland in 2023, their highest since 2006 when the club last won the title. 

Shamrock Rovers are two points behind Shelbourne on 58 points but have a superior goal difference and if Rovers win, then Shels must do the same at Derry. A draw will not suffice as the club looks to capture national glory on the week of their centenary celebrations. 

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Duff is immersed in the drama and has asserted that getting the pre-season 25/1 shots over the line would top his playing achievements which included Premier League medals with Chelsea and starring at a World Cup as part of the 100 caps he earned for his country. 

RTÉ have confirmed they will show both games live on Friday, a first for the league, with the Shels meeting with Derry on RTE2 and the Rovers-Waterford clash on RTE News Now.