Shamrock Rovers midfielder Greg Bolger is set to miss the rest of the season with a serious leg injury.
The Hoops ace suffered a suspected fracture - that will require surgery - in Saturday’s friendly clash against Wexford FC at Tallaght Stadium.
It’s a considerable blow to title-chasing Rovers boss Stephen Bradley ahead of the league resuming the weekend after next.
Going into the dramatically reduced campaign, Shamrock Rovers are top of the league after five matches.
They lead arch rivals and reigning champions Dundalk by three points with both clubs facing into another 13 league games.
And Rovers are back in action on Saturday week when they host Finn Harps at Tallaght Stadium.
But Bolger, 31, will be missing from their midfield ranks that also includes Jack Byrne, Ronan Finn, Aaron McEneff, Gary O’Neill, Dylan Watts and Brandon Kavanagh.
