I TOSSED MY LOSER'S MEDAL IN THE RIVER!

STUART BYRNE would love Damien Duff's Shelbourne to get revenge on Linfield - as it would put the old boys out of their misery.

- BY PAUL O'HEHIR

Byrne was stand-in captain for the day when Pat Fenlon's (right) Shels played Linfield in the inaugural 2005 Setanta Cup final in front of 10,000 people at a pulsating Tolka Park.

But the day ended in disaster from a Reds perspective as the Blues ran out comfortable 2-0 winners to claim the All-Island bragging rights.

And Shelbourne legend Byrne told Mirror Sport last night: "I'm still absolutely disgusted with that game, and I didn't hang onto the losers' medal either.

"When all the crowd left Tolka Park, I walked out of the dressing room, up the steps of the Riverside Stand and when I got to the top, I f***** it into the Tolka river!

"It's been there that long, it's probably a bronze medal now. It’s the single most disappointing night of my football career.

"The Hibs of Malta game in the Champions League is a close second and still haunts me, but Linfield is number one."

Byrne continued: "Ask any of the lads who played that day and they'll tell you the same, and I'm sure the supporters know what we're on about."

Yesterday's Champions League draw ain Nyon threw up a rematch with the respective champions on both sides of the border set to clash.