Louth hit by injuries ahead of local derby

LOUTH’S hopes of pulling off a shock win over Meath in Saturday’s crucial refixed Allianx League Division 2 tie have suffered a major blow. In the wake of Sunday’s seven-point defeat by Clare, corner-back James Craven and half-forward Ryan Burns (below) are struggling to be fit for the Drogheda encounter, which could determine whether the Royals or Down join the Wee County in Division 3 next year. If the Mourne County put Tipperary to the sword at Newry on Saturday, then Meath would have to account for Louth to preserve their Division 2 status. ‘Because of a hamstring injury, Ryan Burns had to come off after about 20 minutes in the Clare game,’ explained team boss Pete McGrath, whose charges have lost all of their games in Division 2 to date. On Saturday’s tie, McGrath said: ‘We will be up against it having to play Meath and they showed they are a team of outstanding quality in the game against Down last weekend. ‘Some people may feel that all the pressure is on Meath, but with their Division 2 status hanging on the outcome of the match, there’s a very big carrot out there for them. ‘I will be happy if we produce a decent and encouraging performance and so give ourselves a timely boost ahead of the Carlow match. ‘Naturally it’s disappointing that we haven’t won a match in the League, but there was some consolation in that for long periods in the games we played quite well, only to leak goals at crucial stages. ‘As well, we have a very young panel of players and there was a big turnover of players from last year. ‘Unfortunately they found the step up to Division 2 a little too difficult for them to cope with.’