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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Paul O'Hehir

Shelbourne's JR Wilson hoping to provide family cheer in FAI Cup final

JR Wilson is hoping to give the family something to cheer about a year on from their bittersweet finish.

At the Aviva Stadium last November, the Shelbourne wing-back’s brother Tyreke was on the losing side as St Pat’s pipped Bohemians to FAI Cup glory in a penalty shootout.

This year, it is JR’s chance to put his best foot forward in Irish football’s biggest game as Shels set their sights on a showdown with Derry City tomorrow.

READ MORE: Derry City's £1 million kid Mark Connolly on a career of ups and downs

And en route to this point, he knocked his brother out of the quarter-finals when Shels battered the Gypsies at Tolka Park.

“We went out for a bit of food after that game because we’re close,” said Wilson of the sibling rivalry.

“There was a bit of stick but we parked it after that. He wanted us to go on and win the Cup straight after so that's all you can ask for.

“Hopefully we can win it this year and give the family something to shout about. We're going out to win the game, it's as simple as that.

"The family are delighted with us (for reaching finals) but we want a gold medal this time and make them happier than a silver.”

Shelbourne's JR Wilson (Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo)

When Shels beat Waterford at the RSC in the semi-final, boss Damien Duff reached for the siege mentality approach.

The Ireland legend claimed nobody outside of the club liked Shelbourne and Wilson admits the players have no issue using any source of motivation to their advantage.

“You thrive on that,” he said. “No one likes us, which is a good thing because they don't like playing against you.

“The way we're set out, we don't stop running all game. We're in the opposition's face all game and they don't like it.

“We have to take that into the game, we have to be hungry and we have to be on our game to match Derry City's quality. “

Wilson continued: “People don't see that side of the game when you're running and pressing but it's all down to the gaffer and the way he trains us.

“You would die on the pitch for the man. We want to do him proud this week and top off the season.

“Everyone knows their roles, when to go and when not to go. It's down to the gaffer and the staff.

“They have played Cup finals and the gaffer has won Premier Leagues, so there are no better men to listen to.”

Wilson added: “The club has been up and down the last number of years but we're starting to get a foothold in the league now this year.

“We only got promoted last year and people probably thought we would be fighting down the bottom but we're well safe.

“And we'll start looking up the table next year and for the European places.

“But getting to the cup final was the goal at the start of the year and we want to win silverware now.”

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