Keith Buckley looks to inspire Bohemians with captain's role on FAI Cup final day

Keith Buckley is hoping his commitment to the Bohemians cause will inspire his team-mates to lift the Sports Direct FAI Cup on Sunday.

The talismanic captain will miss the showpiece occasion due to a serious ligament injury he suffered last month.

Buckley will not return until later next season and will be in the stands on Sunday as his colleagues look to end a 15-year wait to lift the trophy.

Despite the injury, he has been a regular face at their training sessions, making his presence felt in the build-up to the Aviva Stadium clash with St Patrick's Athletic.

Speaking to RTÉ Sport about the year-ending injury, he said: "When it happened I felt sorry for myself that night and that was it. The next night I got up and on with it. I'm in training every day with the lads.

"I'm there doing my own bits and being around the all the time. I think I've only missed a couple of days of training. That's what you have to do. You still have a job to do.

"I want to be an influence and a motivation for them that they say "well he's given everything for so long. Can we do this for him and the club and everything he's done?"

"My role won't change whether I'm off the pitch or on it. You have to be a positive influence around the place. That's my job as captain. It's to help, motivate and lead the people that will be on the pitch."

A strong end to the year from St Patrick’s Athletic and a slump from Bohs has left the Saints marginal favourites to repeat their 2021 victory.

Buckley’s outfit will miss out on European football next year – their target for this season – if they come out second best, due to a sixth-place league finish.

Pat’s have the better record between the teams in four matches in the Premier Division

However the 31-year-old is