Forde's future in doubt
Wexford footballers begin league without injured attacker
Wexford full-back David Walsh in pursuit of Westmeath?s Gavin Hoey in the O?Byrne Shield semi-final in Gorey on Sunday last.
JASON RYAN does not see any light at the end of the tunnel regarding the availability of star attacker Matty Forde for the forthcoming National Football League campaign. Wexford open their Allianz Division 3 programme away to Louth in Drogheda on Sunday next, but the Kilanerin clubman will not be part of the squad despite having played for Gorey District in a recent trial game.
'Matty Forde is not training with the Wexford squad at the moment but the door is wide open for him,' Ryan said.
When asked if or when he'll be back, Ryan replied: 'I've no indication if or when Matty will be back'.
The Wexford set-up will be out to prove that they are not reliant on Forde as they embark on the 2010 league campaign with a tough opener against the Wee county.
They will definitely be without experienced attacker, Adrian Morrissey, as the Kilmacud Crokes player suffered a dislocation of the AC joint in his shoulder during last Sunday's O'Byrne Shield defeat of Westmeath which will likely keep him out of contention.
'We are awaiting a full medical report on Adrian but the early indications are that he will miss the Louth opener,' Ryan said.
While the absence of Morrissey will be a blow, Ryan, no doubt, will be boosted by the return of such players as Ciarán Lyng and Shane Roche to the attack, while Anthony Masterson is back and available to take the number one jersey, having missed the January games as a result of taking a course in London.
Defender Graeme Molloy is still out injured. 'Graeme is back doing some running after having a second operation on his knee. Really I'll be aiming the Sligo game for Graeme's return which could also be the likely date for the return of David Fogarty, just back training after injury,' Ryan added. The manager was heartened with the progress shown against Westmeath. 'We played particularly well in the first-half. It was a big improvement from Longford, so hopefully it will do lots for the players' confidence and bring about further improvement.
'The lads that have come into the squad have done really well. It will be difficult picking a squad and then reducing it to 24 players. But it make for a competitive squad in training and competition for places, which is what we require.'
Ryan fully realises they have a difficult opener against Louth.
'They have come flying out of the blocks like they showed against Kildare last Sunday. They are a very good, balanced side, which will make for a difficult game.
'But we will be going there to win. We will approach each game with a winning mentality.
'It's not going to be easy in Division 3. There's no easy game and even one defeat could make it difficult. All of the games make for a serious challenge and even the Antrim game could be hugely important at the tail end, depending on one's placing.
'We also have Sligo who did so well in the Connacht championship and came so close to defeating Kerry in the qualifiers. That's an indication of the strength of the group.'
Wexford will announce their side following training on Thursday evening.
- BRENDAN FURLONG
