Positive news on Bolton’s head injury

INITIAL reports about Emmet Bolton’s serious injury picked in yesterday’s International Rules game are positive.

The Kildare defender was stretchered off in the third quarter of Ireland’s comprehensive 80-36 win over Australia in Melbourne after taking a heavy knock to the head in a tussle with Mitch Robinson. Bolton, who was concussed by the impact and is a major doubt for the second test next Friday, was brought to hospital where he was awaiting a scan. However, reports from the camp were the All Star nominee was in good form and hoping to be released from hospital as soon as possible.

Speaking after the game, manager Anthony Tohill said: “He shipped a fairly heavy hit to the head so it’s a concern. It’s at least concussion.

“It was a big hit but he’s a tough lad. Our thoughts are with him and hopefully we’ll get the all clear but he’s probably a big risk concerning next week.”

Donegal All Star and stand-by player Karl Lacey will come into the squad if Bolton is deemed unable to play in the Gold Coast.