Jonathan Afolabi gunning to hit 20-goal target at FAI Cup Final

A packed house at the Aviva Stadium awaits Jonathan Afolabi on Sunday, when he is expected to lead the line for Bohemians in the Sports Direct Men's FAI Cup Final against St Patrick's Athletic.

It's a setting he got a taste of recently, after his electric club form this season earned him a late call-up to Stephen Kenny's Ireland squad for the Euro 2024 qualifier at home to the Netherlands in September.

The 23-year-old would end up watching the 2-1 defeat for the Boys in Green from the stands, but it was an experience that he will draw on as he takes to the pitch at the same ground against St Pat's on Sunday.

"That was a very big moment," Afolabi told RTÉ Sport's Tony O'Donoghue in the build-up to the Aviva Stadium showpiece.

"I couldn't believe it when I saw the call from Stephen Kenny. I'd worked with him at Under-21 level and getting the call was something that you just can't imagine.

"I almost got straight in the car to go to the hotel and meet everyone. It was an experience I will definitely never forget, seeing the stadium packed and everything, it was great.

"You can see the standard is really high, all the planning and preparation they [Ireland] put into getting a result. It's definitely stuff that you dream of being surrounded with and it was a great experience."

The call-up was the ultimate honour for Afolabi during a season in which the plaudits have arrived thick and fast.

The Tallaght native finished as joint-top scorer in the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Divison, alongside Jack Moylan of Shelbourne, after both men hit the 15-goal mark in the top flight.

Throw in four goals during Bohs' cup run and Afolabi is on the verge of 20 for the season, a target that he set out at the beginning of the campaign, and one he could