Greg Bolger is on target to return for the FAI Cup final if Shamrock Rovers make it there - but Gary O'Neill is out for the remainder of the season.
O'Neill suffered a quad injury a few weeks back and Hoops boss Stephen Bradley has confirmed that he will be without the former UCD player for Sunday's FAI Cup semi-final against Sligo Rovers - and for the final if the newly-crowned league champions reach it.
"He’s done really well in his rehab but he had a setback, got a scan and, yeah that will be him," said Bradley of O'Neill.
O'Neill's former Belfield colleague Neil Farrugia could be available after a hamstring issue for the semi-final in Tallaght against the Bit O'Red, who earned their place in the last four with a penalty shoot-out victory over Derry City last night.
Fellow Hoops midfielder Bolger has been making great progress as he makes his comeback from the serious leg injury he suffered in a friendly against Wexford last June, just ahead of the resumption of the Premier Division campaign.
It was felt at that time that the 32-year-old's season was over but Bradley says that if Rovers reach the decider, Bolger, a three-time winner of the Blue Riband competition, will be a viable option for match day involvement.
“Greg is doing really well," said Bradley. "If we get there, it is definitely realistic to get him involved.
"He’s looked really good in training this week. He’s been itching to get back for a couple weeks now. If we get there, he will definitely be in contention.
"I think he has that experience, he’s played in enough finals and enough big games to know how to handle himself and the game.
"So if we get there, and Greg continues to train like he trains, I would definitely consider him".
