Duwayne McManus is in no doubt that Saturday will be the biggest day of his career.

The midfielder has been involved on Irish Cup before when he was in the Dungannon Swifts squad that played Linfield in the 2008 decider. However, he stresses that Saturday is a much bigger game for him as he represents the club he grew up at.

"I was part of the Dungannon squad that day along with the likes of Niall McGinn and all and that was a great experience even though I didn't get playing. I was a young lad then and I never thought I would get the chance to go to another one at this stage of my career.

"Saturday though will be the biggest day of my career, to be walking out at Windsor Park with my local team, it just means so much more. I've been involved with Ballinamallard for a lot of years. I was here when I was young and came up through the youth teams before breaking into the first team when I was 16 or 17. It is really big for the supporters and for the whole community," he said.

Indeed, that manager who gave him his first team debut was the man who brought him back to the club when he joined from Dergview. And McManus can not speak highly enough of.

"Harry gave me my debut with Ballinamallard and he is now my manager again. In fact, I also played under him at Dergview when he was there. He is a top manager, his man management is brilliant, he makes you feel a part of it, even if you are on the bench or not playing he will put an arm around you and make you feel part of it. He always tells you to keep working hard in training and your time will come and his attention to detail in preparing for games is next to none," said Duwayne.

It has though been a tough season for McManus who has struggled with injuries and consequently saw little action. However, he has continued to work hard and is hoping to play a part at Windsor Park.

"In pre-season I was flying and looking forward to the season ahead but just with one thing and another I have had injury after injury. I've worked hard though and Harry kept telling me that my chance would come and over the last four or five weeks I've been back playing and have got my fitness back up. Hopefully I can play a part in the cup final and make an impact and hopefully we can make everybody proud," said McManus.