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Down
Senior's Defensive Problems - 11/02/03
Paddy O'Rourke and his Down senior
management team are facing a full-back crisis ahead
of their vital third round N.F.L. game with Sligo in
Newry on Sunday 16th February. Alan Molloy, Ciaran Byrne
and Brian Burns are all out of the game. Down's full
back Alan Molloy is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines
after pulling a hamstring in last weekend's defeat to
Mayo, while Brian Burns is also out due to a hamstring
problem he picked up in a friendly game against Wicklow
in January. Mean while Burren club man Ciaran Burn is
out of the game due to a suspension he picked up with
his club before Christmas.
With all three players out of the
Sligo game Down manager Paddy O'Rourke could be forced
to deploy John Clarke or Liam Doyle in the number three
role for this Sunday's National League clash.
Midfielder Gregory McCartan who was
sent off during Sunday's Match against Mayo for an off
the ball clash will miss a mimimum of the next two League
games (Four week ban) following his straight red card.
On a positive note, Ciaran Byrne's
ban will have expired by the time Down travel to take
on Laois in Portlaoise on March 2nd, while others who
will be back for that game are Mayobridge forward, Ronan
Sexton - for his dismissal in the county league final.
Colm Kearney of Bryansford one of the many new faces
in the Down senior set-up this season will also be available
for selection next month after serving a four-week ban
also.
These suspensions and injuries could
cost Down dearly in the run-in of the league as defeat
next Sunday will leave them back in the relegation race
with a number of very tough games to play in the coming
weeks.
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