Rodney McAree fears Dungannon Swifts star could be 'out for a few weeks' after limping off in Irish League victory
Dungannon Swifts manager Rodney McAree fears midfield maestro Tiernan Kelly could be “out for a few weeks” after limping off during their weekend victory over Ballymena United.
Kelly has been one of the Swifts’ star performers since arriving from Loughgall during the summer, starting in 13 of their 18 Premiership matches this term after missing the start of the season through suspension having been sent off in their Conference League qualifier against Vaduz.
The 24-year-old has nailed down his spot in a competitive midfield area, which also includes the likes of captain Gael Bigirimana, Kealan Dillon, James Knowles and Bobby-Jack McAleese.
Kelly has significantly improved his disciplinary record at Stangmore Park – he picked up 14 league yellow cards for Loughgall during the 2023/24 campaign and another 12 last term, but has only been booked three times so far this term.
He was forced off on the stroke of half-time at The Showgrounds on Saturday before the Swifts went on to secure a 2-1 triumph thanks to Adam Glenny’s spectacular volley.
"He looks as if he's damaged his groin,” said McAree. “To what extent, I don't know, he looks sore.
"He's limping with it so we'll get him in at the start of the week and reassess but he looks as if he's going to be out for a few weeks.
"He's been brilliant. I think Gael is suspended as well now for a game so it throws its challenges at you, but we'll try and find a way.”
McAree has been without defender Caolan Marron for the past two matches against Larne and Ballymena – Peter Maguire filled in for the former before Cahal McGinty was deployed at centre-back alongside Danny Wallace last weekend.
The 27-year-old has started 11 league matches this season following Dean Curry’s summer retirement and McAree hopes to have him back for Saturday’s trip to Carrick Rangers.
"He should be (back soon), yeah,” he added. “He had his foot complaint but he took a hit on the ribs as well so he's just sore.
"We felt (on Saturday) with the physicality of Success (Edogun) that maybe he wasn't going to be in a great position to be able to deal with that, so we'll hopefully have him back next week.”