Clare senior hurling manager, Brian Lohan has said 2018 All Star John Conlon will not be in the reckoning for their All-Ireland quarter-final with Waterford.
Speaking following Saturday’s seven point victory against Wexford, Tony Kelly hinted that the additional week in the championship would offer hope that Clonlara’s Conlon could play a part in their quarter-final tie.
Lohan was not so optimistic that the man he appointed captain at the beginning of the year would be in consideration. “Every day we train he comes and does a bit of work with the S&C, he is attacking balls but it is going to be too early for him to come into the match, he hasn’t done contact,” the Shannon man said of the possibility of Conlon featuring.
In March, John sustained a cruciate ligament injury at a Clare training in UL. He has been following an extensive rehabilitation programme over recent months in a bid to return to the county colours.
Moments before the throw-in for Saturday’s qualifier win, Clare were forced to make a very late change with Aron Shanagher pulling out of the team and David Fitzgerald of Inagh/Kilnamona entering the fray instead.
Shanagher damaged his hamstring shortly before the game with Brian admitting that the 2016 National League winner made the call himself that he was not fit enough to play a championship game. His injury is being monitored this week with a decision on his fitness to be made shortly before they face Waterford.
The Clare Echo understands that Ballyea’s Jack Browne is also struggling with injury. There was surprise with the three time All-Ireland U21 winner’s continued lack of game-time following Clare’s exit in the Munster championship to Limerick but injury is said to be the reason why the St Flannan’s teacher has played no part in the All-Ireland series.
As Clare finalise their preparations for the quarter-final, Conlon is believed to have partook in Tuesday’s training.
