CORK CITY CAPTAIN Greg Bolger is likely to be available again for the next stage of their European adventure, but manager John Caulfield has reiterated that the inspirational midfielder is nowhere near full fitness.
Bolger sustained an ankle injury in the first leg of City’s Europa League first-round qualifier away to Linfield on 30 June — a ligament problem that Bolger revealed could take up to four weeks to heal.
The 27-year-old was subsequently left out for the return fixture against the Belfast side seven days later, as well as City’s Premier Division victory against Wexford Youths. However, the former UCD and Dundalk man returned to play in all 180 minutes of the Leesiders’ triumph over BK Hacken in the second round of the Europa League qualifiers.
After last Thursday’s 1-0 second-leg defeat of the Swedish Cup holders at Turner’s Cross, City manager John Caulfield paid tribute to Bolger, who’s been playing through the pain barrier as the 2015 Premier Division and FAI Cup runners-up aim to prolong their European campaign.
“Well, Greg is injured. But that’s who he is,” Caulfield said. “He wants to play and he hasn’t trained since the game last week. He’s been in treatment all week, treatment again this morning, treatment before the match and he’s literally playing on half an ankle.
“But that just shows you the type of man he is. You can’t beat that and that rubs off on the team. That rubs off with the courage, the spirit and determination.”
Bolger has been a revelation for Caulfield, who brought him in from St Patrick’s Athletic for the beginning of this season. That will come as no surprise to regulars at Richmond Park, who would have been deeply disappointed to see the Wexford native leave Inchicore after a four-year spell during which he won every major domestic honour.
Cork City supporters are notoriously stubborn when it comes to being won over by new arrivals — particularly those who weren’t blessed to have been born in the Rebel County — but Bolger immediately set about becoming a fan-favourite.
A well-rounded midfielder, Bolger blends his combative approach when not in possession with accomplished control and passing ability, which allows him to be extremely comfortable on the ball. Therefore, in spite of his injury, his contribution is likely to be crucial when City make the step-up to play KRC Genk in Belgium on Thursday.
It’s a sign of how highly he has already come to be regarded in Cork that Bolger — the SSE Airtricity/SWAI Player of the Month for June — has been handed the captain’s armband in the absence of injured skipper Johnny Dunleavy.
Speaking to the media yesterday ahead of this week’s clash with Genk in the Europa League third qualifying round, Caulfield explained that Bolger is still receiving treatment, although he’s fully expected to lead Cork City into action at the Luminus Arena on Thursday evening (7pm kick-off Irish time, live on eir Sport 1).
Bolger’s insistence on playing is certainly admirable, although it remains to be seen if there will be long-term consequences — for the player’s physical well-being and his team’s aspirations of denying Dundalk a third consecutive league title. But should City bring a positive result back from Belgium, he may feel it’s a sacrifice worth making.
“He’s a massive player for us, a huge influence on the team, he’s now the captain since Johnny got injured. He’s taken to the role like a fish to water. Massive presence,” Caulfield said.
“He’s being treated every day. He possibly needs a couple of weeks’ break but that isn’t possible. We’re doing everything to have him ready for Thursday night and he wants to be ready for Thursday night. That’s the way it is at the moment.”
Hoping Alan gives it another year at least!! Although this year didn’t end well, he was amazing. Definitely has it in him to stay on and be “the wise old head” for all these young lads coming through the ranks.
Hope Alan stays a great player gives it his
Bernard Brogan loves to get his mush in the media lately
He’s only answering questions put to him by the media. What do you think he should do in that situation?
Andrea, if Bernard ignored the media I’m sure yaya would have an even bigger problem with him!!
He could not answer. Not like he’s being forced. Maybe if he spent less time talking to them and more time playing Dublin wouldn’t have been hammered by Donegal
You must be an expert, Steven? You should apply for the managers jobs when it becomes available. And to think we could have won the All Ireland this year if Bernard had just taken a vow of silence!!!
Ya the most important thing is they didn’t win it. They got beat out the game in a game that showed how overrated the golden boy really is
Yes Steven. 2 All Irelands and 2 leagues in the space of 3 years!! Hardly the yardstick of success, is it? As the guy in your photo might say, “D’oh” :)
Ps Steven, the most important thing from this years All Ireland is the fact that Kerry lowered themselves beyond the level of puke football. The purists in Kerry will loath how it was won. But don’t worry, Dublin and Mayo will keep playing the game the way it should be played. We won’t lower ourselves to the level that Kerry and Donegal have ;)
Yet none this year. Remember how Dublin were supposed to be unbeatable? Then again the only reason they lost this year was because they didn’t show up. Bernard said that so it has to be true. Not a good sign of dublins supposed underage superstars if they still need the two of them
No the most important thing is Kerry won. Also your 6 backs playing in position is puke football now? Seeing as that’s what happened Sunday, or did you miss that?
Can’t win it every year lad. Every 2nd year will do for me. Áth Cliath abú!!
The fact is annoys you so much makes it all the sweeter ;)
It doesn’t annoy me buddy. I’m a Dub, it’s not in our nature to be bitter!! Add to that that I’m sipping a pint in Dublin Airport right now means you couldn’t be further from the truth a chara ;)
Not bitter? Your comments would say otherwise
Shame to see this Culchie spite from a Kerry supporter, we usually get it from the counties that never win anything, most Kerry people realise they have no reason to be jealous of others success or sneer when they fall short. The only people claiming Dublin were unbeatable were the media and fair weather supporters.
Well said Gavan. Steven wouldn’t be representative of the Kerry people I’d know. I reckon he’s a kid who needs to grow up and stop being so childish.
All