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 expecting a close game.
He explained: "I don't think there's a lot between us. They beat us twice in Dalymount. We beat them once away. For the neutrals it will be a great game. Hopefully we come out on the right side. But it will be a cagey affair. I just hope we have enough on the day.
"It is a long time since the club has won a trophy and it really is too long. We have made steps off the pitch in certain things but it's time now to win and bring silverware back to Dalymount Park.
"Hopefully come the Sunday we have that little bit between our teeth to get revenge for two years ago.
"The Cup is going to go to Dublin 7 or Dublin 8 and hopefully it's our side of the city. Fifteen years is a long time waiting. That would show if we got over the line."
Watch the FAI Cup final, Bohemians v St Patrick's Athletic, on Sunday from 2pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. Follow a live blog on RTÉ.ie/Sport and the RTÉ News app and listen to live radio commentary on Sunday Sport on RTÉ Radio 1.
