Zayed eager for League Cup glory

HE MIGHT be the top scorer for the current leaders in the Premier Division, but Derry City hotshot Eamon Zayed has his eyes firmly set on capturing the only domestic honour that has evaded him to date.

The Libyan international will look to help the Candystripes win the EA Sports Cup against Cork City at Turner’s Cross on Saturday evening and after winning the league, FAI Cup and Setanta Cup already in his career, is determined to complete the collection.

And with 20 goals to his name so far this year, it means that Stephen Kenny’s men are justifiably the favourites to win their fifth league cup title in seven years. 

“It’s a massive game, full of expectation and we really want to win it,” Zayed says. “I’ve won the league with Drogheda, I’ve won the FAI Cup (with Sporting Fingal) and the Setanta Cup too, so this is the only thing domestically I haven’t won and I really want to go down and win it.

“I’ve seen a lot of Cork this year and I’ve been impressed by them, even in the game against St Pat’s that was on TV last weekend.

“They’re a decent outfit and they’re too good to be in the first division. It’s going to be tough for us.

“Cork will have a great crowd, they always do, and it’s nice to see two of the best supported teams in the country come together.”

Indeed, Turner’s Cross hasn’t been the best of hunting grounds for Zayed and his current teammates. It is almost three years since his last game on Leeside - with Drogheda United -   and the 27 year old wants to make amends for his previous appearances at the Cork venue.

“My record in Cork isn’t great to be honest and from talking to some of the lads in the squad, it doesn’t seem like they’ve had a great time of it either in Turner’s Cross.

“It’s probably one of the hardest grounds to play in because of that support.

“I haven’t played down there in over two and a half years, the last time was with Drogheda, so I’m really looking forward to it now.” 

Although Stephen Kenny has sent out his fringe players in previous rounds, two of which went to extra-time against Salthill Devon and Sligo Rovers,  Zayed is in no doubt that Derry will be giving it 100% to win their fifth league cup in seven years.

“Everybody is looking forward to it.  I think getting to the final we want to win it even though some of the fringe players got a chance in previous rounds.

“To get to the final is great but we want to win it now, we don’t just want to be participating.

“We didn’t have a game last weekend because of the FAI Cup, so we’re feeling fresh and making the long journey to Cork won’t be a hindrance.

“We’ll travel down on Friday, stay overnight and be fully prepared come Saturday evening.”