Earley targets summer return

Kildare midfielder Dermot Earley is targetting a return for the Lilywhites, but it will not be until next June at the earliest.

The Sarsfields clubman is definitely ruled out of his county's upcoming National League campaign.

Earley, 32, underwent an operation on his right knee five weeks ago, having injured it during Kildare's march to an All-Ireland semi-final last summer.

The two-time All-Star needed repair work on his cruciate ligament and also had a mini fracture on top of the cartilage.

Earley is currently on crutches but is expected to be walking properly by the end of next week.

It is a welcome boost for Kildare boss Kieran McGeeney, following veteran player Anthony Rainbow's recent decision to hang up his boots.

McGeeney also got good news recently with Kildare captain John Doyle confirming his availability for the 2011 campaign.

Even though Earley is on the path to recovery, he does not believe that he will be ready for action until the latter stages of the Leinster Championship should Kildare reach that stage, or the All-Ireland qualifiers if they have to go the back door route.

"I'm just doing exercises and a bit on the static bike," he said.

"Your quad, knee and hamstrings lose a lot when you don't use them at all - it's hard to believe how much they lose.

"The plan is to be back next year, around June or July, if everything goes right. You have to be upbeat about these things and that's what I'm looking at."

Meanwhile, Earley is set to attend the Roscommon GAA Supporters Club annual awards tomorrow night, where he will be the special guest.