Lacey set to miss early part of 2013

The Donegal footballers suffered an early blow for 2013 last night after it emerged Karl Lacey is to be sidelined for between 12 and 14 weeks.

The Footballer of the Year underwent surgery for a hip injury on Saturday.

However, he could return for the latter stages of the Allianz Football League in April.

The All-Star centre-back was unable to attend last night’s gala RTÉ Sports Awards as he as is recuperating from the surgery.

Lacey, from the Four Masters club, has been involved with the Donegal squad since 2004, winning two Ulster titles, an All-Ireland, a League title as well as four All Stars.