Fitzgerald set for Clare return

Legendary goalkeeper Davy Fitzgerald is poised to return to the Clare senior hurling panel in the coming weeks, according to Clare manager Mike McNamara.

Fitzgerald has been away from the Banner set-up since a disagreement, twelve months ago, with then manager Tony Considine.

However, following recent talks with McNamara, the 36-year-old Sixmilebridge clubman is now on the verge of mounting a challenge for the Clare number 1 jersey.

Speaking on Clare FM, McNamara said: "David and myself have spoken and hopefully, in a week or two, the medical advice for David will be that he can attempt a return."

Fitzgerald is recovering well after almost losing part of a finger on his left hand during a club game in October. He underwent reconstructive surgery in Galway and is ready for a quicker-than-expected return to action.

He said: "I'm going back, hopefully at the end of this month, even though the doctors think that I am mad to do so.

"But I have to try and at least I will be happy myself that way. If it works, it works and if it doesn't, it doesn't."

Fitzgerald knows that he will have to rediscover some of his best form to dislodge Tulla net minder Philip Brennan, who took over as Clare's first-choice 'keeper last season.

"If my finger is right, I'm prepared to fight for my place but my county is the most important thing, whether I play or not.

"Being honest, the finger is not 100% right at the moment but I had a great chat with Mike the other day and I was talking to my doctors who said that maybe, at the end of the month, I can see then," added the two-time All-Ireland winner.

"Philip did a great job last year under pressure and I know the way Mike operates.

"He would make no promises. I just know that whoever is doing the best job or playing the best will get in - that's the way it will be."

In an ironic twist, Fitzgerald would not be able to line out for Clare in their Waterford Crystal Cup opener tomorrow - even if he was fit. The former All-Star is manager of Clare's opponents, Limerick IT.