Bolger sweats on fitness ahead of final

St Patrick’s Athletic midfielder Greg Bolger may be forgiven for being a little down this week. The Wexford native is in a race against time to be fit for what would be his first appearance in an FAI Cup Final on Sunday.

Bolger, who is currently recovering from an ankle injury, is looking to get back training at some stage this week, but admits it is touch and go to be involved in the match day squad.

“I don’t know yet, it’s fairly sore," he said. "I’m hoping in my head that I’m ready but I’m not sure. Hopefully I can get back training on Thursday and Saturday and go from there.”

Regardless of his plight, Bolger is in little doubt that he has played his part for the Saints throughout the season. “I’ve started 22 games and a few in the cups and Europe. I’ve played my part and I really want to play more, but it’s up to Liam and whatever team he picks. I will be ready and willing to give my all if I’m picked or come on from the bench.”

Pat's have had an eventful season, finishing third in the league and enjoying a decent run in Europe. Yet the cherry of dispelling the 51 year cup drought for the Inchicore club has players and staff raring to go. “We are all looking forward to it,  this is what we have been rewarded with, a cup final," Bolger says.

"Our season could possibly have been better, but with our European run and finishing third in the league, it’s been good and we are all now buzzing for the cup final.”

Of course this was Bolger's first year at the club and his goal against former club Dundalk in the semi-final was one of the definite highlights. However, like many others in the league, he will be out of contract come full-time Sunday, though negotiations with Saints boss Liam Buckley are at an advanced stage. Bolger, it is expected, will be one of many to sign a new deal at Richmond Park.

“Definitely yeah, I was talking to Liam, he wants me to sign, I want to re-sign, and there is a few things to iron out so we’ll see how that goes. This week is the cup but if I can sign in the next week or two, hopefully we can keep most of the squad and add to what we have. That would be great,” he added.

With the possibility of having a club sorted before Christmas, it takes a lot of pressure off: “That’s half the battle, not waiting around to see who’s going to ring me, am I going to get a call or what do I have to do to get a club. 

"Liam said when I signed that he’d reward me if I performed well, and I think I’ve done well so hopefully I can get re-signed. It’s a big thing to have over Christmas, knowing you have something to come back to.”