Kevin McHugh issues rallying call to Finn Harps support for FAI Cup quarter-final

Kevin McHugh would love to see Finn Park packed to its rustic rafters on Friday night.

A place in the semi-finals of the FAI Senior Cup is up for grabs when McHugh’s Finn Harps face Cork City.

Harps have only been to the last four six times in the past and must get past the Rebels to get back there.

“It’s such a huge opportunity and the stakes are massive,” McHugh told Donegal Live.

“It’s uncharted territory for these kids we have, but it’s a really good opportunity.”

A teenage McHugh was on the Harps squad that reached the Cup final in 1999 and an experienced McHugh played in a semi-final in 2014 which saw St Patrick’s Athletic crush them 6-1.

Cork stand between Harps and a place in the semis again.

McHugh said: “It’s going to be a great experience this week. It’s one of those where win, lose or draw they will be better off for it. They will have the build up to a big game and playing in a big game. 

“Cork will be going in as the favourites. We’re at home and have young players who haven’t run out in front of big crowds. We will hopefully have the biggest crowd of the season on Friday night and that should drive them. They have to know that the better they do the bigger the crowd will be.

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“I’ve seen in the past where players can get swallowed up by that, but they can use that energy to drive, to motivate and bring them to the fore.

“The crowd will be massive and can help players get through tough moments. This won’t be the same as the First Division now and we’ll be without the ball for long periods so we’ll have to deal with that.

“We want to appeal to people to come out in their numbers - but also to be patient and back the players.”