Irish blows in Davis Cup

The Irish tennis selectors have rushed back into consultation following two hammer blows to the side originally selected to play Hungary in next months Davis Cup tie at Fitzwilliam.

Only half the team originally selected remains intact, with US-based Conor Niland and British-based John Doran being ruled out with injuries.

The options are thin on the ground as the selectors face a difficult task to find suitable replacements.

Niland is a huge loss as he has grown in ability on the US collegiate circuit, where he is ranked among the top 10 in America. He campaigns out of the University of California and he is their leading player. A wrist injury has put paid to his chances of figuring in the Davis Cup tie.

And Doran is out due to stomach muscle problems.

Now the selectors will have to find replacements and it is possible that Eoin Collins will be among those considered. The former Davis Cup player has not figured for almost seven years at this level. Also to be considered will be Sean Cooper and David Mullins. Peter Clarke and Kevin Sorensen are original selections who remain on the side.