Hoolahan fighting fit to start against Steaua

SHELBOURNE star Wes Hoolahan has declared himself fit to start tomorrow’s Champions League second round clash with Steaua Bucharest at the Ghencea Stadium after recovering from illness.

Hoolahan was bed ridden for the scoreless draw at Tolka Park last week but returned to training on Saturday and insists that, having suffered more than most watching last week, he is ready to hit Steaua Bucharest where it hurts tomorrow.

Hoolahan said: “I was a bit tired when I trained on Saturday because I hadn’t eaten in four or five days or done anything really. It was just a stomach bug. It was a bad time for it to happen.

“It was the first time I have been injured or sick in a long time and to miss such a big game was devastating. I watched it at home from my bed. It was nerve-wracking, it was probably the first time I have watched Shelbourne play on telly.

“It was very annoying not to be involved but the boys who played did very well. It will be difficult to get into the team because Pat [Fenlon] doesn’t normally change a winning team or a team that has done well but, hopefully, I will get the chance.”

Fenlon suggested that, if Hoolahan can prove his fitness, he will certainly start tomorrow evening with either Jason Byrne or Richie Baker set to make way with Hoolahan teaming up with Alan Moore and Stuart Byrne in midfield.

“If Wes is okay, there’s a good chance he will play and then it’s a choice between Jason and Richie to play wide. Jason did that role for us great last year,” said Fenlon.

“It really depends on how Weso does over the next couple of days, if he is physically ready to play. He was sick for three or four days and it does take a lot out of you.”

“We’re looking for other people to get on the ball. We will play with one up with one off him and that could be Wes Hoolahan, Jason Byrne or Alan Moore.”

But Fenlon also insisted that those not involved in the starting line-up must play their part, particularly as substitutions will be extra important with the game due to be played in temperatures close to 30 degrees celsius.

“It’s not about leaving anyone out. The thing is you might only get 50 minutes out of one of them, it might be time to get fresh legs in.

“When you talk about the heat that we’re in at the moment, it is vital that we use the substitutions wisely. But if you pick up an injury early, you have to withdraw someone and move people around.”