Donegal half-forward McHugh to miss Laois game

Donegal play-maker Mark McHugh will miss the defending All-Ireland champions' fourth round SFC qualifier against Laois in Carrick-on-Shannon on Saturday.

McHugh was unfortunate to pick up a series of injuries during the early stages of last Sunday's Ulster final against Monaghan. He was left with a perforated eardrum, concussion and a quad muscle tear after colliding heavily with Monaghan's Stephen Gollogly.

The influential half forward was replaced by David Walsh and his absence was keenly felt as Donegal struggled to claw back the Farney men's early lead and eventually surrendered the Anglo-Celt Cup in a 0-13 to 0-7 defeat.

McHugh, who was only released from Letterkenny General Hospital last evening, is expected to be out of action for at least a month.

That leaves the 22-year-old with little chance of playing in the All-Ireland quarter-finals (August 3-5) if Donegal progress to that stage of the Championship.

Manager Jim McGuinness may opt to start McHugh's younger brother Ryan in his place. The Under-21 starlet was one of few Donegal players to impress in the Ulster decider having come on at half-time for Walsh, the earlier replacement for injury victim Mark.