Perseverance pays off for talented Stephen Cronin

Cork U21 captain Stephen Cronin is delighted to get a taste of the big time again tomorrow night after a tough six-month spell on the sidelines.

Cronin had established himself as one of the brightest young stars in the country before he fractured his tibia and fibula while in action for Nemo Rangers in a senior league match against Clonakilty last year.

The 19-year-old had burst onto the senior football squad last summer, nailing down a defensive spot in his senior championship debut against Clare. But following half a year spent in rehab he will play a crucial role for the Rebels who play Kerry in tomorrow night’s EirGrid Munster U21FC final at Austin Stack Park.