Paul Doyle has come full circle - and hopes to square off his UCD career with a rousing send off in the League and FAI Cup.
In 2018, in his first season, Doyle came off the bench with 10 minutes left to help the Students hold out for a Cup quarter-final victory against Waterford, who were flying high.
UCD's team boasted players who went on to join top clubs, such as Liam Scales, Gary O'Neill and Neil Farrugia (all Shamrock Rovers) and Greg Sloggett (Dundalk).
Doyle's ambition now is to follow suit having recently graduated as a physiotherapist.
"Hopefully I'll work as a physio in some capacity but I want to play full-time football at that level now," said the 23-year-old.
"My contract is up at the end of the year, I've done four years and have had my time. Everyone in UCD knows I'll be moving on, it's the natural conclusion to my time here.
"Other lads have had to bide their time, you have to let them have their chance. If you haven't done enough to earn that move in that time, that's your own fault.
"Having trained with Gary, Scalesy and Farrugia, I know what they have in their locker - and what I have to do to reach that level after playing over 100 games.
"At UCD, you're exposed to a lot of semi-finals and finals in College competitions. It stands to players, allows them to step up to the mindset needed at top clubs."
Doyle had to bide his time in his debut year. O'Neill and Sloggett were first choice central midfielders in a strong side that pipped Finn Harps and Shels to the First Division title.
Before he leaves, he'd love to repeat the feat of making the last four of the Cup - Dundalk beat them in the semis - while he acknowledges that League pace-setters Shels will be almost impossible to reel in.
The play-offs beckon, however. "A similar performance - and result - against Waterford would be great," Doyle said.
"Myself and Evan (Osam) are the last two involved from that time. I remember that quarter-final well. Waterford ended up securing European football only for disaster to strike (UEFA denied them a licence to participate)."
O'Neill conceded a penalty to give Waterford a lifeline, but the Students held on.
"I always look at it that we got promoted a year too late," said Doyle. "We would've competed comfortably in the Premier Division if we'd kept Gary, Greg, Farrugia, Scalesy, Jay McClelland, Georgie Kelly and others. It was a quality team.
"I wouldn't be surprised if current UCD players move to big clubs in the future.
"Conor Whelan's a top player, Liam Kerrigan got a hat-trick last week, Jack Keaney's a big player for us and Sam Todd has been excellent.
"The club has a lot of players in the Ireland under-17 and under-19 set-ups.
"The pressure isn't on us to win. No-one bats an eyelid if we lose, but we'll have a plan in place.
"It's a free shot. The ultimate goal is getting back to the Premier Division."
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