Kenny fears long O’Donnell lay-off

DUNDALK’S hopes that captain Stephen O’Donnell might make a quick return from his leg break are fading after he met a specialist on Tuesday, WRITES DANIEL MCDONNELL.

Manager Stephen Kenny had expressed the hope that O’Donnell (right) could figure again this season after breaking a tibia in last Friday’s defeat to Waterford.

However, that was based on the premise that it was a straightforward break. Kenny told local media after the EA Sports Cup victory over Bohemians that it was not the case.

“Stephen went to see somebody today and he’s due to have surgery this week. It’s not straightforward. We were hoping it would be, but it doesn’t seem to be,” said Kenny. “There is no timeframe yet. We’ll just have to wait and see how the operation goes but it’s just devastating for him.”

Kenny received another setback in the Bohemians game when John Mountney strained ligaments in his knee and faces another spell on the sidelines. Meanwhile, ex-Dundalk player David McMillan has spoken of his frustration that the Scottish season ends on Saturday – just after his return from injury.

He has scored twice in as many games after a comeback from the hamstring injury he suffered on his debut in January.

“It’s been a frustrating period,” he said. “I’d love the season to be continuing. But it’ll set me up nicely now for next year.”