Blow for Donegal as McBrearty out for 'foreseeable future'

Donegal have suffered a major injury blow with confirmation today that captain Paddy McBrearty will undergo surgery on a hamstring tear.

McBrearty incurred the injury in the eight-point loss to Tyrone a fortnight ago, leading to much speculation about his involvement for the remainder of the league.

Donegal were initially inclined to play down the reports, the county board tweeting during the week that he would undergo a fitness test ahead of today's game in Clones.

However, manager Paddy Carr confirmed today that the player would be out for "the forseeable future", though he stressed that his season was not over.

"Well unfortunately the injury is a serious enough injury," Carr told RTÉ Radio 1's Sunday Sport.

"And it will necessitate surgery. He's going to be out for the foreseeable future

"His season is not ended, far from it. But we've got the best medical advice that the best option for him is a form of surgery. So, that's going to happen very, very quickly

"Paddy is a leader and a figurehead. But what can you do. I know lots of other teams are dealing with the same thing."

With McBrearty sidelined, Donegal suffered an eight-point defeat to Monaghan in Clones, the home side now leapfrogging them at the bottom of the table.