Bohemians ace James Talbot is not expected to play again this season, manager Keith Long has revealed.
The goalkeeper injured his shoulder while on international duty with Stephen Kenny’s Ireland team in June and hasn’t played since.
And Gypsies boss Long is now resigned to being without his No 1 for the rest of the year as he continues on the long road to recovery.
READ MORE: Dara O'Shea immensely proud after being given West Brom captaincy
Quizzed if Talbot would play again in 2022, Long said: “I don’t think so. He had a dislocated shoulder.”
Tadhg Ryan had been Talbot’s deputy but after a costly mistake against Dundalk the week before, was dropped for Friday’s derby draw at Shelbourne.
New signing Jon McCracken stepped up and the Scot and former Norwich City man impressed on his debut with two brilliant saves.
Long felt he was a safe pair of hands and said: “He was fantastic. His distribution was really good and he pulled off a great save from JJ Lunney’s strike from distance.
“He looked very composed. Good distribution out of hand and also off the ground. So very pleased with Jon.”
Bohs failed to put away 10-man Shelbourne in an all-action Dublin derby at Tolka Park.
And the point means that whatever slim hopes Bohs had of creeping into the European spots in the league are all but over.
They are nine points off fourth so if the Gypsies want European football, they realistically need to win the FAI Cup.
And that mission continues with Leinster Senior League side Lucan United at Dalymount Park on Friday.
“It takes the focus off the league and hopefully we’ll put in a performance in Dalymount,” said Long.
It has been a difficult week for everyone at Bohs following the death of club stalwart Derek ‘Mono’ Monaghan following a tragic accident.
He was remembered at Friday’s clash with Shels and his funeral takes place on Tuesday with Long admitting: “We all need a lift around the place.
“The supporters will come in expectation (to the Lucan United game) as they were disappointed that we didn’t win on Friday, and they’re right.
“Unfortunately we couldn’t win the game which I’m sure would have made him a happy man had he been with us.
“It wasn’t to be. It was a tough week for all concerned at the club. We’ll do him justice during the week.”
READ NEXT:
Dara O'Shea immensely proud after being given West Brom captaincy
Rory McIlroy throws remote controlled ball into water in bizarre incident
Paul Caffrey column: Finding an elite coach should be top of Dessie Farrell's agenda
Conor McGregor calls Carl Froch a ' little scrawny pencil neck' in Twitter rant
Former NFL kicker Patrick Murray on the GAA players who could make switch
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
