The League of Ireland has proved a rescue ground for players who have fallen down the ranks in England or further afield.
Every footballer is looking for an opportunity to prove their worth, regardless of the level they play at, and in Ireland we have witnessed the rebirth of several stars that had lost their way at stages in their careers.
It is inevitable that some players do not make the cut and eventually depart the game.
In many situations, success in a career can be measured by just making a living out of it.
In 2010, Liverpudlian John Dillon waited for his opportunity. He signed for Sligo Rovers after departing the professional ranks in England.
Injury ruined his chance of making the breakthrough with Crewe Alexandra. He spent a period of loan with Leigh Genises before eventually being released, with a broken ankle hampering the chances of proving his worth.
John Dillon scored 10 goals for Sligo Rovers this year, including a winning goal against Shamrock Rovers in Tallaght Stadium.
Dillon was soon playing at a level in Liverpool that compares to junior football in Ireland, until he was recommended to Sligo boss Paul Cook by some of his contacts in Merseyside.
He was given a trial and, after impressing in pre-season, he signed for the 2010 campaign.
In the two years with the club he has made decent progress and playing at a professional level once again has benefited many aspects of his play.
Dillon’s passing ability and comfort on the ball, while lacking a physical edge at times, has flourished under the style of football Cook has encouraged in Sligo and he has admitted the move to Ireland has been a satisfying one.
He said: “You have the likes of Shamrock and Bohemians, Dundalk and St Pat’s that are strong. But I was surprised by the amount of football that was played. I was probably expecting a bit more of a battle in this league which wouldn’t have suited me.
“The way we play especially suits me and I think that is why I have enjoyed it and done well I think.”
The 23-year-old faces another crossroads in his career in the coming months as his contract with the club expires this month, and the future is far from certain. He admits it is “funny to think that this time next week I won’t have a job” but Sunday’s match comes first.
The former Crewe winger will look at the positives of what a final in front of 20,000 fans in the Aviva Stadium can do for both Sligo’s and his own aspirations.
However, in the spell with the Bit o’ Red, he has yet to reach a moment where a place in the starting XI was secured.
In last year’s FAI Cup final, Dillon was an unused substitute as Sligo beat Shamrock Rovers to lift the trophy for the first time in 16 years.
Dillon’s form this season has been quite good, hitting 10 goals in 21 starts and with injury ruling Joesph Ndo out of the decider on Sunday, another coveted opportunity may be presented.
“I hope I’m playing Sunday. If I’m not, hopefully I can come on again and try to get a goal if I am substitute. I didn’t get on last year. It was unfortunate because I remember I was going to come on around the 60th or 70th minute and for whatever reason I didn’t come on. I’d like to think I’m starting but if I’m not hopefully I will get a good go.
“It reminds me of last year. We’ll see what the team is but I’m looking forward to it. It will be a good day out and hopefully we can win.
“I’ve enjoyed this season more than last year because I have got more goals. I think I have got 10 this year. I’m pleased with that. Hopefully I’ll be playing on Sunday and I’ll score again.”
Achieving that would lift some of the worries he faces on Monday when he becomes a free agent, and improve the chance of more chapters in an already-eventful career.
