Defeated Clare hurlers won’t be parachuted into Collins’ squad

Clare football boss Colm Collins has ruled out calling up members of the county’s defeated hurling squad to bolster his side’s chances in the qualifiers.

Collins, whose sons Podge and Sean played both codes this year, has led Clare to promotion from Division 4 this season and face Kildare at Cusack Park in Ennis on Saturday bidding for further glory in a Championship season where they ran Kerry close and last weekend eased past Carlow. But Collins does not intend bringing in more hurlers at this stage following their surprise early championship exit against Wexford.

“There is no doubt about it, there is a heap of them there (who could play football for the county). I reckon there is at least eight players there that are capable of being in our squad.

“But at this point of the year we have an excellent squad of 32 and that’s it,” said Collins.

Davy Fitzgerald’s squad members Cathal McInerney, Conor McGrath, Conor Ryan, Cillian Duggan and Conor Cleary are regarded as top-class footballers and hurlers, and Collins says he’ll welcome anyone with open arms – as long as they are willing to commit to the footballers as well.

“I wouldn’t say the door is closed, it’s not. There is no fire fighting going on here.

“Obviously if any of these players would like to play with us long-term we’d welcome them with open arms.

“But with regards to parachuting someone in at this stage, no, that won’t be happening.”