Gartland: A new hero can seize the day for Dundalk

As much as Brian Gartland feels for Chris Shields — Dundalk’s shock suspension for Sunday’s cup final against Shamrock Rovers — the Lilywhites stalwart also recognises that, in football, one player’s difficulty is another’s opportunity.

“Make no bones about it, every player wants to play in this,” says the experienced defender, who will turn 33 the day after the final. “It’s hard when you miss out, or you’re not selected, or you get an injury, or something like that. It’s disappointing for Chris. But it’s football; a lot worse things can happen. Even this year, lads breaking bones and legs and things. You just have to deal with it and move on.