*Ryan Taylor. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill
CLOONEY/QUIN’s Ryan Taylor is expected to feature in Clare’s matchday panel for the first time this season.
Taylor has been sidelined since sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury in last year’s All-Ireland semi-final defeat to Kilkenny.
His absence from the middle of the field has been felt with the former University of Galway Fitzgibbon Cup hurler having emerged as one of the most consistent players during Brian Lohan’s tenure as Clare senior hurling manager.
While Taylor had been back doing straight-line running during the Allianz National Hurling League, he has resumed full training with the squad in recent weeks and is pushing strongly for a place in the squad for Saturday’s semi-final with Kilkenny.
Speaking on the fitness of the midfielder following the quarter-final win against Wexford, Lohan commented, “he is back in training and we will see how he goes over the next two weeks”.
Management will be very pleased to have the option of introducing Ryan to the fold in what is expected to be a very tough and tight encounter against the Leinster champions. A starting berth may be unlikely but the ability to call on the 2022 All Star nominee certainly strengthens the Clare cause, he having formed a very strong midfield pairing with Cathal Malone over the past three seasons.
His return is also a big lift for his club and the Fergal Lynch managed Clooney/Quin side will need his pace and experience as they prepare to battle a very competitive Group 1 in the Clare SHC but with the collective talent at their disposal the side which will also include Peter Duggan, Jack O’Neill, John Cahil, Evan Maxted and Shane McNamara will definitely be a team to watch in the race for the Canon Hamilton.
