Loughgall stopper Ross Glendinning set for three weeks out of action after colliding with goal post
Loughgall manager Darren Murphy has confirmed that goalkeeper Ross Glendinning has been discharged from hospital after a nasty collision with a goal post during Saturday’s Irish Cup defeat to Cliftonville.
Glendinning had to be withdrawn just 15 minutes into the loss after hitting the post when attempting to save Keevan Hawthorne’s looping effort from outside the box.
After assessment from the club doctor at Lakeview Park, the ex-Linfield, Ballymena United and Carrick Rangers custodian was sent to hospital but has thankfully been discharged with no major injury.
When asked for an update on Glendinning’s health, Murphy replied: “He has received three or four stiches in his head and has severe concussion.
"He was out cold after hitting the post and went straight to hospital after being assessed by our medical staff.
"We have been told that he’ll be out of action for three weeks to a month.
"I knew from the impact and the sound of it that it was going to be a bad one. There was four minutes of stoppage but the positive of it all is that Ross only required stitches and has concussion when it could have potentially been far worse.
Cliftonville went on to win the contest 3-0 and now meet Dungannon Swifts in the semi-final in a repeat of last year’s decider.
Murphy was full of praise for the quick action of his medical team and how Glendinning will be a massive miss between the posts.
The 32-year-old was named as the Championship Player of the Month for February after registering five clean sheets in seven games as the Villagers finished the month unbeaten.
“I don’t think anyone knew straight away the full extent of what had happened, although our physio Lyndsay (Henning) was quick on the pitch and then Ross was assessed in the changing room by our doctor.
“It’s disappointing for Ross because he’s been brilliant since arriving in the summer. This is his first time playing in the Championship but he seems relaxed and is really enjoying it.
"His family comes to the games and I know they are well looked after...so it’s been a great move for both parties.
"Ross is going to miss a few games now but it’s football and setbacks happen.”