James McCartan has delayed naming the Down team for Sunday’s All-Ireland clash with Kildare in an effort to give captain Ambrose Rogers every chance to prove his fitness.
Rogers suffered a knee ligament injury playing with his club, Longstone, recently and although it is thought unlikely that he will start against Kildare on Sunday, he may be fit enough to play a part from the bench.
“Ambrose has made himself available to play,” team spokesman Ronan McMahon told the Irish News.
“However, James is still planning for Sunday’s game without Ambrose, as he has planned the preparations since the extent of Ambrose’s injury became known. But at this moment in time, Ambrose is making every possible effort to be able to play against Kildare.
“He wants to play; he has said to the management that he’s available. There is a chance that Ambrose will play.
“He’s doing all he can. It is such a massive game; he really wants to be involved. He has indicated that to the management. Ambrose does not want to miss it and is making every effort to be ready to play some part in it.”
McCartan will name his starting fifteen on Friday evening, with Peter Fitzpatrick or Declan Rooney ready to start in midfield if Rogers doesn’t make it, while there are reports that Dan Gordon could switch to midfield from full-back to partner Kallum King.
