Dublin's Connell out until April

Dublin forward Senan Connell will not see action in the 2006 National Football League until April due to a groin tendon injury.

The Na Fianna marksman is to undergo a groin operation in the New Year meaning he will be out of Dublin manager Paul Caffrey's plans for 10 to 12 weeks.

Connell, used as a substitute in all six of the Leinster champions' championship games last summer, was undertaking some rehabilitation work in an effort to fend off surgery, but the injury's worsening condition has forced the St Vincent's school teacher to go under the knife.

Connell joins Colin Moran (groin) and Stephen O'Shaughnessy (shoulder) on the Dubs' injury list. Shane Ryan is also suspended for most of the NFL, while captain Paddy Christie has been struggling this winter with an abductor muscle injury.

Caffrey's men kick-off their 2006 season against the students of UCD in the O'Byrne Cup under the floodlights of Parnell Park on Wednesday, January 11.

Connell is ear-marked to return to inter-county action in Dublin's final regulation game of the National League against Kerry on April 9.