Danny Grant says footballers will find the motivation to perform from elsewhere if they return to play in empty grounds.
The Bohs winger admits he's "buzzing" to get back to the game and his team-mates, so he was happy to get the first Covid-19 test out of the way on Monday with a view to a return to training on June 8.
The plan is for the Gypsies, along with Dundalk, Shamrock Rovers and Derry City, to participate in a four-team tournament to get ready for European competition.
“I think everyone is missing the dressing room, especially ours as it’s a greeting one," said Grant, 19.
"I’m missing all the boys but when you get onto Zoom and see their faces and have a bit of a laugh it’s good as well. “
To be back out there is what everyone wants. Football is not the same without fans but we just have to deal with it and find motivation from elsewhere to perform.
“The most important thing is playing football with your team-mates but it would be tough without fans, it’s something we’re not really used to, especially at Dalymount as we always have a packed house.
"But it’s just something we’d have to adapt to. The most important thing is playing matches."
The results of the tests, which were completed at the four clubs' respective training facilities, will be known today or tomorrow.
“A couple of boys were saying it was up the nose and not meant to be nice, but it was a little swab down the throat instead," Grant said on FAI TV.
"It was uncomfortable, obviously, but it was short and sharp.
“I’m very excited, it looks like we’re heading on the right path. Yesterday there were zero deaths in the country.
“I’m buzzing to get back, hopefully it’s not too far away. I’ve been missing it.
"I’ve just been kicking the ball around by myself until the last week or so when, with social distancing, I’ve been kicking the ball around with some mates.
“To be back on a pitch would be unbelievable. You’re doing your own thing but it’s not the same as playing football.
“It’s kind of like pre-season I suppose, I’m running most days, working hard to keep fit and I feel physically ready, we’ve been doing workouts as well on Zoom".
