JOHN Mulligan and the Portlaoise selectors will leave until the weekend to decide whether Laois Footballer of the Year, Brian Glynn will be able to play in the Leinster semi-final against Clara on Sunday.

Glynn injured knee ligaments and had a scan on his knee last week.

On medical advice he was told under no circumstances to play in Portlaoise’s under-21FC semi-final against Ballylinan Gleanmore last Saturday.

“We should know more tonight when we will let him have a light run on it,” said Portlaoise manager John Mulligan. “Hopefully he’ll be able to play but he has to be a doubt.

“Even if he comes through tonight it is going to be a hard call. We are going to leave until the weekend to make a decision.”

Whether playing in the halfback or half-forward line, Glynn has had an exceptional year and his absence would be a severe blow to the team.

“Brian has done so well in both the league and the championship, and now in the two Leinster game, he would be a huge loss,” said Mulligan.

That aside, training has been going well for the Town, despite the horrendous weather.

“It has been very difficult training. The underfoot conditions have been very soft and some nights there has been a film of water on the ground.

“This causes its own problems and there is always the fear that some player will pick up an injury,” said the manager. “I just hope the weather forecast doesn’t turn out as bad as it is supposed to be (on Sunday).”

The fact that Portlaoise are playing Clara from neighbouring Offaly will add an extra bit of a bite to the game.

“Both clubs are representing their counties and as neighbours it is going to add that bit extra to it, make that bit more competitive” said Mulligan.

Portlaoise are bidding to reach the final for the first time since 2004 and will need to be at the top of their game if they are to make again in 2009.

“We know Clara are a strong, physical side and if we are to get a result we are going to have to play very well.”

BY DENIS J. CROKE, LAOIS NATIONALIST

Filed under: Laois Football