Richard Keogh has the chance to achieve a measure of personal redemption at Wembley today.
Keogh is set to lead out Derby County in their Sky Bet Championship play-off final against Aston Villa (3pm) - as he returns to the scene of a devastating day for the Rams five years ago.
In 2014, Steve McClaren's Derby side fell just short of promotion as they were beaten 1-0 by Queens Park Rangers in agonising style.
With Rangers down to 10 men and extra-time looming, a scuffed clearance from Keogh fell kindly for Bobby Zamora, who fired home to break Rams hearts.
While Keogh has been arguably Derby's most consistent performer since then, the team have not been as close to promotion again - until now.
Looking back at the QPR play-off final, the 32-year-old defender said: "It's a long, long time ago. It is what it is.
"If you look at any player, your career is never perfect. You sometimes have to fail to succeed.
"For me, personally, it wasn't a great day but not just for me, for the club in general.
"We probably deserved it (promotion) but as a player, you have to bounce back and the following year, I got named in the PFA (Championship) team of the year.
"So it's all about bouncing back."
This is Keogh and Derby's fourth play-off campaign in six years - but the Republic of Ireland international believes this current team has something special.
"I'm so proud of this team - to have had the season we've had," he said.
"I think everyone was seeing how the season went, to a certain extent, because we knew we were in a bit of a transition.
"The club was moving in a different direction and the younger players were coming through.
"We let quite a few people go that were decent players for us, with the gaffer (Frank Lampard) obviously wanting to bring his own squad in.
"We've progressed so much over the season. We've grown. The young players have improved and the more experienced guys have helped nurture them.
"The gaffer has brought a real freshness with his coaching staff, and the way we play, I think we've got a real identity about us."
Lampard has been a big part of that, after taking his first steps in management with the Rams this season.
"It has been amazing," said Keogh. "There was an excitement around his appointment, naturally, from the outside looking in.
"He's arguably one of the greatest midfielders of his generation.
"As a player, it's great working with someone like that, with that knowledge and the managers he has worked with.
"He has won so many things and, to be honest, it has been an absolute pleasure to work with him.
"I have learned so much. It doesn't matter how old you are, you are always trying to better yourself.
"And the season I have had, personally, a lot of it is down to him.
"I've loved every second of it and I'm buzzing for him. He's a great man."
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