By Seamus Hayes
Clare senior football manager Colm Collins has named an unchanged team from that which defeated Wexford last week for Sunday’s clash with Louth at Drogheda in round two of the Allianz football league.
Stephen Collins, a late replacement for Kevin Hartnett last week retains his place in the full back line. Hartnett from Meelick, who was due to play at full back, suffered an ankle injury in the warm up in Miltown. Collins came into the side at corner back with Dean Ryan switching to the full back position.
Otherwise the team is unchanged and the expectation is that Podge Collins will be available this week. He missed last week’s game due to a hamstring strain suffered in a recent challenge game against Kerry.
However, his Cratloe clubmate Cathal McInerney, will be out for a number of weeks due to a hamstring injury. Hopes that he could return to action this week were dashed following further treatment and this means that he is also out of the University of Limerick side that is competing in both the Fitzgibbon and Sigerson cup competitions.
The Clare team for Sunday is; Joe Hayes (Lissycasey); Martin McMahon (Kilmurry-Ibrickane), Dean Ryan (Eire Og), Stephen Collins (St. Josephs, Doora-Barefield); Jamie Malone (Corofin), Gordon Kelly (Miltown St. Josephs), Ciaran Russell (Eire Og); Gary Brennan (Clondegad) captain, Cathal O’Connor (Coolmeen); Sean Collins (Cratloe) Shane Hickey (Kilmurry-Ibrickane), Shane McGrath (Thomas Davis); David Tubridy (Doonbeg), Shane Brennan (Clondegad), Pat Burke (Kilmacud Crokes).