Kelly Out For Three Weeks

Munster wing cum center, John Kelly will miss the next two internationals after damaging a knee ligament in the game against Australia last Saturday.

Munster wing cum center, John Kelly will miss the next two internationals after damaging a knee ligament in the game against Australia last Saturday.

Kelly who won his seventh cap when he came on as a 41st minute replacement for Denis Hickie, played his normal steady game even though he required medical attention mid-way through the half. Clearly troubled with the injury at the final whistle a scan last Monday determined the extent of the damage and the influential Kelly will be put out of action for up to three weeks.

That means that besides the internationals he will almost certainly miss Munster’s Celtic Lague clash with Connacht at Musgrave Park on November 29th. Coach Alan Gaffney’s disappointment at Kelly’s absence will be tempered somewhat by the news that A international Anthony Horgan, has returned to full training and he will be available to his club

Cork Con this weekend should they require him for the AIB League game with Buccaneers. More good news for the Munster coach is that Paul O’Connell coninues to make steady progress in his recovery from the back injury that has ruled him out so far this season and he is expected to be back in competitive action in the coming weeks. Jeremy Staunton is also expected to return this week while Martin Cahill has also resumed training.