No mountain is too high for Enniskillen Rangers captain William Burleigh.

The sheep farmer whose family farm is perched high in Benaughlin mountain is well used to heights you could say, but on Monday it will be at the National Stadium at Windsor Park where the affable Burleigh will look to hit new heights.

Burleigh joined Enniskillen Rangers as a 17 year old, a year after partnering Ballinamallard and Linfield defender Mark Stafford at the centre of a Mallards youth defence that won the Harry Cavan Youth Cup in 2006.

His first full season with Rangers was in Division Three of the Fermanagh and Western and despite many other offers, he has been at the very heart of the team and the club as it slowly but steadily emerged from the shadows to once again compete at the top end of Junior football.

So what has been the difference this year for the team he has played a key part in for 10 years.

“I think there is an extra belief in the team this year, especially in the Junior Cup,” explains Burleigh.

“To be honest, if we had played the way we played in the Junior in the league we could have won it. We have played our best in the Junior Cup and after we won the first round, we said we would go all the way to Windsor and that is what we have done.”

Willie knows what is needed come Monday.

“We need to show the same attitude as we did in the semi-final. It is important that we get off to a good start and if we do then I think we will get the job done. We started slowly in the semi-final and at the start of the second half as well, perhaps there were a few nerves, so we will be keen to make sure that does not happen and that we are sharper from the first whistle. Then it is all about us playing our game and I believe we have the players and squad to win the game,” says William.

That the game is at Windsor Park and to captain the team, means much to Burleigh.

“What bigger honour is there than to lead your team out at the National Stadium for the biggest game in Junior football. It has been a long time coming I suppose but now that it’s here we want to go on, play well and win. I could never have dreamed 10 years ago when we were playing in Division Three that we would be playing a big final in Windsor Park, but the venue does make it that little bit more special,” he adds.

Burleigh also believes that the influence of Michael Kerr has been key to the run to the final.

“Michael has a different way of playing which I think really suits us and he has attracted better players, the likes of Ciaran Smith have come in and developed to the point where he is now a vital part of the team. We have a lot of good players and a good blend of youth and experience. Michael has put it all together,” says Burleigh whose own game has undoubtedly benefitted with better players around him and also taking the pressure off him a little.

And so all roads lead to Belfast on Monday and William can’t wait.

“We have had great support during the cup run and I’m sure that will be the same on Monday. It has definitely helped us across the line in the Junior and hopefully we can give all the fans something to shout about. The club is in a good position at the minute with the facilities, we want to win on Monday and then go on further.

“It would be good to get the Mercer and Mulhern Cups back at Rangers but we will focus on Monday first,” concluded William.

When William Burleigh came to Enniskillen Rangers, the club was in need of good honest footballers willing to play for the shirt through thick and thin. He has typified that in spades and will no doubt give everything for the cause on Monday.

He knows no other way.