THE DROGS DO WORK

Bolger admits hard graft is secret that has United flying high at top of the table.. and him as famous as a Hollywood star at home

- BY GARRY DOYLE

THERE was a time when Chris O'Dowd was considered the only famous thing to come out of Boyle.

But in League of Ireland circles, the Hollywood actor is a bit-part player compared to the man who has emerged to star on centre stage.

A year ago James Bolger was barely a household name in his own home as he playing for third tier Swedish club Bodens FK.

Now his name is on everyone's lips, his talent coming to the Boyle so to speak.

Like O'Dowd (right), he is from Roscommon. He played his underage football for local club Boyle Celtic, prior to stints on the US College scene with Northwestern Red Raiders and Longwood Lancers before that short shift in Sweden.

Now look at him. Current club Drogheda United are top of the league, six months after winning the FAI Cup - a team of unknowns who have the lowest budget in the Premier Division defying the odds week after week.