Keaney may not return next year

DUBLIN’S Conal Keaney admits he faces a battle to return to hurling in 2012.

Keaney damaged cartilage and lateral knee ligaments when his motorcycle collided with a van last July.

The injury ruled him out of the All-Ireland quarter-final win over Limerick and the semi-final defeat to Tipperary along with Ballyboden St Enda’s run to their fifth consecutive Dublin SHC title.

“There is no way I will be back for next year’s League,” he admitted after Ballyboden defeated Westmeath champions Clonkill in the Leinster club championship on Sunday.

“They (medical people) are saying that I mightn’t be able to play at all next year. I’ll have just to play it by ear.

“I had a few setbacks after the operation (on July 22), and I’m just happy now to be walking normally without pain.

“I don’t know when I will be back jogging, I’m just taking things week by week, and taking small steps along the way.

“I’m working out in the gym at the moment, but it (for the injury to heal) will take a bit of time.”