Murray out for three weeks

Sean Murray will miss Garvey's IHL game on Saturday. Pic: Rowland White / Presseye.

The 18 year-old suffered a broken thumb during last week’s Irish Schools’ tournament, where he and his Wallace side finished as runners-up (for more, see page 58).

However, boss Errol Lutton is hopeful the Irish U21 international will be back within a month.

“Sean got hit on the hand with a ball into the circle,” said Lutton.

“He got a lot of treatment on it and I think it’s likely to keep him our for between two and three weeks now.

“It’s a blow for us and we’ll definitely miss having Sean in there. We’ll be looking to get him back in soon but we now have to concentrate on who we have available over the next few weeks.

“It’s disappointing for Sean and it’s disappointing for us to lose him as well.”

Tomorrow (Saturday) Garvey host Railway Union at Comber Road (pass-back 2.45pm) looking to make it two wins from two in IHL Pool B.

Garvey began their campaign with an 8-0 thrashing of UCD but Garvey boss Errol Lutton knows Union could be a much tougher prospect.

They’ve begun the Leinster League season with four wins from six, most notably beating Corinthians and losing by only one goal to Pembroke.

“Railway Union have been going well in the Leinster League so far this season so we know they’re a very good team,” said Lutton.

“There’s not much room for error in the IHL. All of the teams are very good and therefore we have to be aware of how good they are.”

Railway were beaten by Three Rock in their IHL opener and will know they must get at least a point on Saturday to keepthem in the competition.

Murray’s injury means Garvey will have to revamp their midfield possibly bringing in Richard Arneill alongside Daniel Buser and Jason Lynch or Peter MacDonnell.

On the plus side , Johnny Quigley should be back to full fitness as should Buser giving Garvey the punch they require down the right.

Quigley’s pace and direct running has been a large factor in Garvey’s success over the past two seasons .

Lutton’s side have a vital few weeks ahead, with the Irish Senior Cup second round tie at Comber Road on 15th November followed just a day later by the Kirk Cup semi against Cookstown.

“It will be a tough period coming up with Senior Cup and Kirk Cup matches so we have to make sure that we come back from our two week break focused,” said the boss.