Roe hopeful injured Wexford duo will return for Dubs clash

WEXFORD manager Pat Roe is hopeful captain John Hudson and midfielder Nicky Lambert will be available for the Leinster SFC clash with Dublin on June 19.

Hudson missed Sunday’s five-point win over Carlow with a calf injury while Lambert was forced to retire before half-time with a shin complaint.

“Both lads will be on the treatment table for the next number of days but I am confident that they will be ready for the Dublin game,” Roe said.

In the absence of Hudson, the brilliant Matty Forde took over the captaincy of the NFL finalists and came to his side’s assistance when Carlow drew level midway through the second half.

Forde kicked some tremendous points as Wexford finally staved off the impressive challenge of Carlow.

“We knew going into the game that this was going to be a serious test. We were on a hiding to nothing being out-and-out favourites,” said a relieved Roe.

“Carlow seriously tested us but maybe their sending off was a factor later in the game.”

Carlow were reduced to 14 men before the break when wing-back Richard Sinnott was dismissed for a second yellow card offence.

“With 15 minutes to go the pace of the game showed on the 14 men so it was a factor without any doubt,” said Roe.

He added: “The game was there for us to win earlier but after our great start, with three goals in the opening quarter, we lost our way a little and once they drew level we were very worried and we were losing some battles, particularly in the half-forward line.

“So we were still very pleased with the final result because all we wanted was the win,” he said.

Wexford now face the Dubs and as Roe said: “Leinster is a minefield and any one of the four teams left in the semi-finals could lift the cup.”