Skipper Smyth axed by Lake boss Hanley

WESTMEATH hurling captain Brian Smyth has been dropped from the panel as manager Brian Hanley cracks the whip for the new season.

Smyth and club-mate Chris Flanagan are two of the high-profile names axed from the Galwayman’s squad, with Smyth unable to commit to a stringent training plan as he is resident in London.

And the day of the dual player in Westmeath could be over, as Hanley has called on players to decide to choose one code or the other.

“It is tough on some of the lads that have not been selected, especially Brian Smyth, but there is no point in him being involved if he cannot train three times a week with everyone else,” said Hanley.

“I have no time for dual players this year, either you want to play hurling or football. Pulling lads all over the place is not fair on either code.”

Senior footballers Paul Greville, Brendan Murtagh, Frank Boyle, Philip Gilsenan and John Gilligan have all opted to take part in a massive 55-man training group, while Ciarán Martyn has committed to the footballers for 2012. Hanley has also dropped all three of his full-forward line that lined out against Galway in the championship — Ciarán Curley, Dan Carty and Derek McNicholas.